AP Human Geography flashcards Unit 7: Industry and manufacturing/services and settlements

Agglomeration

Agglomeration refers to the clustering or grouping of businesses, people, or activities in a specific area, often leading to increased economic efficiency and collaboration.

Break-of-bulk point

A break of bulk point is a location where goods are transferred from one mode of transportation to another, facilitating the distribution of cargo.

Bulk-gaining industry

A bulk gaining industry is one where the final product weighs more or has a greater volume than the raw materials used in production. This type of industry often locates near markets to minimize transportation costs for the heavier final products. Examples include food processing, beverage manufacturing, and automobile assembly.

Bulk-reducing industry

The bulk reducing industry refers to sectors involved in the processing of raw materials into smaller, more manageable forms. This includes operations like crushing, grinding, and milling, primarily in industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Cottage industry

Cottage industry refers to small-scale manufacturing or production that is typically done in a home or small workshop, often involving family members or local artisans.

Deglomeration

Deglomeration refers to the process of dispersing or breaking up clusters of economic activity, often leading to the relocation of businesses and industries away from densely populated areas.

Deindustrialization

Deindustrialization is the process of reducing or eliminating industrial activity in a region or economy, often characterized by the decline of manufacturing jobs and the shift towards service-oriented sectors.

Export processing zones

An export processing zone is a designated area within a country where goods can be imported, manufactured, and exported without the usual customs duties or tariffs. EPZs are established to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and promote economic development by providing incentives such as tax breaks and streamlined regulations.

Fordist production

Fordist production refers to a system of mass production that is characterized by standardized products, assembly line techniques, and a focus on efficiency. It is named after Henry Ford, who revolutionized manufacturing processes in the early 20th century by implementing these methods in automobile production.

Friction of distance

Friction of distance refers to the concept that as the physical distance between people, places, or ideas increases, the likelihood of interaction, communication, or connection decreases. This notion is often applied in fields such as geography, sociology, and communication studies, highlighting how spatial separation can create barriers to relationships, information exchange, and social cohesion. The greater the distance, the more obstacles individuals face, which can lead to diminished contact and understanding.

Industrial revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant industrial growth and technological advancement that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urbanized societies.

Intermodal connections

Intermodal connections refer to the integration of multiple modes of transportation, such as rail, road, air, and maritime, to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and passengers.

Just-in-time delivery

Just in time delivery is a supply chain management strategy that aligns inventory levels with demand, ensuring that materials and products arrive exactly when they are needed in the production process, minimizing inventory costs and reducing waste.

Outsource

Outsource refers to the practice of delegating certain business processes or tasks to external third-party companies or individuals rather than handling them internally.

Post-fordist production

Post-Fordist production refers to a flexible system of manufacturing and organization that emerged after the traditional Fordist model, characterized by mass production and assembly lines. It emphasizes customization, small batch production, decentralized decision-making, and the use of advanced technology to adapt to changing consumer demands.

Post-industrial

Post-industrial refers to a stage of economic development characterized by a shift from manufacturing-based economies to service-oriented economies, where information technology, services, and knowledge-based industries become the primary drivers of growth and employment.

Right-to-work state

A right-to-work state is a state in the United States that has laws prohibiting mandatory union membership or payment of union dues as a condition of employment.

Rust belt

The Rust Belt is a region in the northeastern and midwestern United States characterized by declining industry, aging factories, and population loss. It includes states like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York, where manufacturing once thrived but has since diminished due to deindustrialization.

Special economic zones

Special Economic Zones are designated areas within a country that have different economic regulations than the rest of the country, aimed at attracting foreign investment and boosting economic activity.

Sunbelt

Sunbelt refers to a region in the southern United States characterized by a warm climate, economic growth, and a diverse population. It typically includes states such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

Labor intensive industry

A labor-intensive industry is one that requires a high amount of human labor to produce its goods or services, typically involving more manual work than machinery or automation.

Maquiladora

A maquiladora is a foreign-owned factory in Mexico that imports materials and equipment on a duty-free and tariff-free basis for assembly or manufacturing, then exports the finished products back to the originating country.

international division of labor

The international division of labor refers to the specialization of different countries in the production of specific goods and services, leading to increased efficiency and trade between nations.

Vertical integration

Vertical integration is a business strategy where a company expands its operations by acquiring or merging with other companies at different stages of the production process, either upstream (suppliers) or downstream.

Basic industries

Basic industries are sectors of the economy that produce fundamental goods and raw materials necessary for other industries. These include agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing, which provide the essential resources for manufacturing and construction.

central place

A central place is a location that provides goods and services to a surrounding area, serving as a hub for economic and social activities.

central place theory

Central Place Theory is a geographical theory that explains the size, number, and distribution of human settlements. It posits that settlements serve as 'central places' providing services to surrounding areas, with larger settlements offering more specialized services and being spaced further apart than smaller ones. The theory was developed by Walter Christaller in 1933.

enclosure movement

The enclosure movement was a process in England from the 16th to the 19th centuries that involved the consolidation of open fields and common land into individually owned and fenced farms. This movement transformed agricultural practices, increased productivity, and led to the displacement of peasant farmers.

clustered vs dispersed rural settlements

Clustered settlements are characterized by houses and buildings grouped closely together, often around a central feature like a church, market square, or crossroads. They are common in areas where resources are limited or for defense purposes.

Dispersed settlements have individual farmsteads or houses spread out over a wide area. This pattern is typical in regions with fertile land and where farming is the primary activity.

market area (hinterland)

A market area (hinterland) is the geographic region surrounding a central place, where goods and services are sourced, consumed, or traded. It typically reflects the demographic and economic characteristics of the population that the central place serves.

nonbasic industries

Nonbasic industries are sectors of the economy that primarily serve the local market and do not produce goods or services for export. They typically include retail, healthcare, education, and services that cater to the needs of the local population.

primate city

A primate city is a city that is significantly larger and more influential than any other city in the country, often serving as the political, economic, and cultural center.

primate city rule

The primate city rule refers to a pattern of urban development where a country's largest city, known as the primate city, is significantly more populous and economically dominant than the second-largest city. This city often serves as the political, cultural, and financial center of the country, leading to a disproportionate concentration of resources and infrastructure.

range

In geography, range refers to the geographical area where a particular species or population can be found. It indicates the spatial extent of habitats suitable for that species, often influenced by environmental factors, climate, and resources.

rank-size rule

The rank-size rule is an empirical observation in urban geography and economics that describes the size distribution of cities or other entities. It states that the nth largest city in a system will be approximately 1/n the size of the largest city.

threshold

a threshold refers to the minimum level of a variable that must be reached for a certain process or phenomenon to occur. It often indicates a critical point where a change in conditions leads to significant effects on the landscape or human activities.

urbanization

Urbanization is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often resulting in the growth of cities and towns.