human geo 7

Industrialization

The process by which economies shift from primarily agricultural to manufacturing-based. It involves the growth of factories, mass production, and technological advancements.

Break-of-Bulk Points

Locations where goods are transferred from one mode of transportation to another

Primary Production / Primary Sector

Economic activities focused on extracting natural resources directly from the Earth.

Secondary Production / Secondary Sector

Involves manufacturing and processing raw materials into finished goods.

Tertiary Production / Tertiary Sector

Provides services rather than goods.

Quaternary Production

Part of the tertiary sector focused on knowledge-based services.

Quinary Production

High-level decision-making and top executives in fields like government, science, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Development

The process of improving the material conditions of people through diffusion of knowledge and technology.

Empowerment

Increasing political, social, or economic strength of individuals or communities, especially women and marginalized groups.

Bulk-Gaining Industry

An industry in which the final product weighs more or has more volume than the inputs. Located near markets.

Bulk-Reducing Industry

An industry in which the final product weighs less than the input materials. Located near raw materials.

Gross National Income (GNI)

Total income earned by a country’s people and businesses, including income earned abroad.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Total value of all goods and services produced within a country in a given year.

Comparative Advantage

When a country can produce a good more efficiently (at a lower opportunity cost) than another

Complementarity

When two regions or countries provide goods or services the other needs, creating a basis for trade.

Neoliberal Policies

Market-oriented reform policies that reduce state influence in the economy

Maquiladoras

Factories in Mexico (near the U.S. border) that import materials duty-free, assemble products, and export them, often to the U.S.

Outsourcing

Hiring outside companies or foreign workers to perform services or produce goods, often to reduce costs.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Designated areas within a country that have special economic regulations to attract foreign investment and business.

Free Trade Zones

Areas where goods can be imported, handled, and exported without paying customs duties, promoting international trade.

Export Processing Zones (EPZs)

Industrial areas focused on producing goods for export, often with tax breaks and relaxed labor laws to attract foreign companies.

Post-Fordist Production

Flexible production model involving small-batch production, outsourcing, and just-in-time delivery, in contrast to mass production.

Multiplier Effect

When initial investment in a sector leads to increased spending and job creation in other sectors.

Agglomeration

Clustering of similar businesses in a specific area to benefit from shared services, infrastructure, and labor.

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages companies experience as production becomes more efficient

Just-in-Time Delivery

Inventory strategy where companies receive goods only as they are needed in the production process, reducing storage costs.

Growth Poles

Economic development is not uniform over a region but instead takes place around a specific cluster or hub, spurring growth in surrounding areas.

Ecotourism

Tourism directed toward natural environments intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife responsibly.