AP Human geography vocab 7-8

Primary activity

Primary activity

economic activities that involve extracting raw materials from the earth or harvesting them

Secondary activity

economic activities that involve the processing of raw materials into finished products

Tertiary activity

services that involve the sale or exchange of goods and raw materials, or the provision of services to people

World systems theory

divides countries of the world into three groups based on political power, social standing, and economic and technological development

Break of bulk

location where goods are transferred from one mode of transportation to another, facilitating the movement of cargo in trade

Dependency theory

an economic and social theory that suggests that the development of some countries is contingent upon the exploitation and underdevelopment of others, particularly in the context of a global capitalist economy

Neocolonialism

the practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence countries, especially those that were formerly colonized, without direct military or political intervention

Fordist

system of mass production and consumption that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by assembly line manufacturing, standardized products, and a focus on high wages for workers

Global division of labor

transfer of some types of jobs, especially those requiring low-paid, less skilled workers, from more developed to less developed countries

Maquiladora

are export-processing cities that exist throughout Northern Mexico

Special economic zone

a designated area within a country where the business and trade laws are different from the rest of the nation

Formal economy

refers to the organized, regulated, and structured economic activity that is recognized and supported by the government of a country.

Informal economy

refers to economic activities that are not regulated or recognized by the government

Islands of development

a geographical area within a less developed country where a high level of economic development exists, often concentrated around a major city or region

Just in time delivery

a supply chain management strategy in which materials and goods are delivered to the production process or to the end customer just in time for them to be used, rather than being delivered in advance or being stockpiled

Export processing zones

areas found in many regions of the developing world. They provide incentives for foreign companies to conduct their business in developing regions. They provide benefits to the developing world in the form of foreign investments and improved employment opportunities.

Quaternary

the segment of the economy focused on knowledge-based activities involving services such as research and development, financial planning, education, and information technology.

Structuralist theory

a perspective that explains global economic disparities as a result of historically established power relations within the world system

Wallerstein

a socio-economic framework that analyzes the global economy as a complex system divided into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral nations. Emphasizes how political power and territoriality shape global trade and economic relationships, with core nations dominating resources and wealth, while peripheral nations often face exploitation and dependency.

Liberal model

theories of economic development that suggest all countries can progress through similar stages of growth, often with an emphasis on capitalism and free-market principles.

Rostow

a linear theory that outlines five stages through which countries progress as they develop economically. It emphasizes the transition from traditional agricultural societies to advanced industrial economies, suggesting that all countries can follow a similar path to modernization and growth.

Agglomeration

clustering of people, businesses, and activities in a particular area, creating a concentration that often leads to increased efficiency and collaboration.

Comparative advantage

the ability of a country, firm, or individual to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than other producers.

Deindustrilization

the process of reducing or eliminating industrial activity in a region, often leading to a decline in manufacturing jobs and economic shifts toward service-based economies.

Ecotourism

A form of sustainable tourism that focuses on experiencing natural environments, promoting conservation and benefiting local communities.

Research triangle

a region in North Carolina defined by the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. a region that transformed from a primarily agricultural area to a booming center for research, education, and technology. This showcases how regions can shift economically and socially over time with investment in human capital and technology.

Silicon Valley

a renowned region in Northern California, known as a global center for technology innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to many of the world's largest high-tech corporations and thousands of startup companies, making it a significant area for economic development and urbanization.

Technopole

specialized areas or regions that focus on the development and promotion of high-tech industries and advanced technology. These hubs bring together universities, research institutions, and businesses to foster innovation and technological advancement, creating a collaborative environment that enhances industrial growth and competitiveness.

Footloose

industries that are not strongly tied to specific locations based on natural resources, transportation, or markets. These industries have high spatial flexibility, meaning they can be located anywhere without significant impacts on production costs.

Weber

a model developed by German economist Alfred Weber in 1909 that explains the location of industries based on minimizing costs and maximizing profits. The theory highlights the importance of transportation costs, labor costs, and agglomeration effects in determining where businesses choose to locate their operations. By focusing on these factors, the theory helps to understand how industries optimize their locations to remain competitive.

Transnational Corporation

large companies that operate in multiple countries, often managing production or delivering services across borders while having a headquarters in one country.

Bulk ganing

An industry in which the final product weighs more or comprises a greater volume than the inputs. Coca-cola

Bulk losing

An industry in which the final product weighs less or comprises a lower volume than the inputs. Copper factories have to be close to the mine

Human Development Index

a composite statistic used to measure and rank countries based on their levels of human development. It takes into account three key dimensions: life expectancy at birth, education level, and per capita income.

Micro credit

financial initiatives that provide small loans to low-income individuals, particularly women, who do not have access to traditional banking services.

Concentric zone

a theoretical framework developed by sociologist Ernest W. Burgess in the 1920s, which describes urban land use patterns in a city. It posits that cities grow outward from a central point in a series of concentric rings, each with distinct characteristics and functions, highlighting how social structures and economic activities spatially relate within urban environments.

Sector model

an urban land use model proposed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939, which suggests that a city develops in sectors rather than concentric circles. This model emphasizes how transportation routes and environmental factors influence the spatial organization of urban areas, showing that certain types of land use, like industrial and residential zones, extend outwards along major transportation corridors.

Multiple nuclei model

an urban land use theory developed by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in 1945, which proposes that cities have multiple centers (or nuclei) around which various activities and developments cluster. This model emphasizes the complexity of urban growth, showing how different zones within a city can emerge independently rather than radiating from a single central point.

Galactic city

describes the structure of urban areas that develop around a central city, characterized by the presence of peripheral suburbs and edge cities. This model emphasizes the spread of urban development outward from the city center, facilitated by advancements in transportation and technology, which can lead to challenges related to urban sustainability and spatial organization.

Latin American city

theoretical framework that describes the urban structure of many Latin American cities, emphasizing the spatial organization and social stratification that typically exists in these areas.

Suburb

a residential area located on the outskirts of a city, typically characterized by low-density housing, single-family homes, and a higher per capita income, where residents usually commute to the central urban area for work or other services

Disamenity sector

areas within urban environments that are characterized by poverty, social instability, and inadequate access to essential services. These regions often exist on the fringes of cities and are marked by poor infrastructure, high crime rates, and lack of economic opportunities.

Edge cities

urban centers that emerge on the outskirts of traditional cities, characterized by a concentration of retail, office space, and entertainment facilities.

Sprawl

the expansion of cities and urban areas into surrounding rural or undeveloped land

Greenbelt

designated areas of open land around urban centers that limit urban sprawl and promote sustainability by preserving natural landscapes. These areas serve as buffers between cities and their surrounding environments, encouraging biodiversity and providing recreational space for residents while contributing to cleaner air and reduced urban heat.