Absolutely! Here’s a sample response for each part of Question 2 on the AP Human Geography 2023 FRQ: ⸻ A. One indicator used to calculate HDI scores is Mean Years of Schooling for Women/Men. ⸻ B. Brazil’s HDI score is higher than Afghanistan’s because Brazil has a higher life expectancy (69 years vs. 61 years), which reflects better access to healthcare and overall quality of life. ⸻ C. One way sustainability goals can respond to economic challenges is by investing in renewable energy, which can reduce dependence on imported fuels, lower pollution, create jobs, and attract eco-conscious investors, stimulating long-term economic growth. ⸻ D. Increasing women’s access to education is likely to reduce a country’s total fertility rate because educated women often choose to delay marriage and childbirth, have better access to family planning, and prioritize careers, which lowers the average number of children per woman. ⸻ E. Ecotourism can promote sustainable economic growth by creating jobs in conservation and hospitality, generating income while preserving natural environments. It encourages responsible tourism and helps local communities benefit economically without degrading their natural resources. ⸻ F. Access to clean-burning fuels improves life expectancy because it reduces indoor air pollution, which can cause respiratory illnesses. For example, in Finland, where 100% of the population has access to clean-burning fuels, the life expectancy is 81, compared to Afghanistan’s 61, where only 32% have access. ⸻ G. Based on the table, Afghanistan would be classified in Stage 1 or 2 of Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth. This is because it has a low GNI per capita, high agricultural employment (39%), low education levels, and high fertility and mortality rates, all signs of a country in early development
Comparative and Complementary Advantages
Comparative Advantage: This economic theory suggests that countries should specialize in producing goods for which they have a lower opportunity cost relative to other countries. This leads to more efficient production and trade.
Complementary Advantages: This concept focuses on the idea that countries can benefit from trading together if they produce goods that complement each other, filling gaps in one another's product offerings.
Wallerstein's World Systems Theory
Core, Semi-Periphery, and Periphery: Wallerstein's theory divides the world into three economic strata:
Core countries: Wealthy, developed nations that dominate global trade and have high levels of industrialization and economic power.
Semi-periphery countries: Nations that are in transition between core and periphery, often involved in both manufacturing and exporting raw materials.
Periphery countries: Less developed nations that typically provide raw materials and labor but gain less benefit from global trade.
Global Capitalism: The theory posits that the capitalist world economy is a system of exploitation where core nations benefit disproportionately from the resources and labor of peripheral countries.
Rostow's Theory of Development
Stages of Economic Growth: Rostow proposed five stages through which countries progress in their development:
Traditional Society: Characterized by subsistence agriculture and a lack of infrastructure.
Preconditions for Take-off: Economic and social conditions begin to change, leading to the start of industrialization.
Take-off: Rapid economic growth occurs, fueled by industrialization and investment.
Drive to Maturity: The economy diversifies, technology continues to improve, and standards of living rise.
Age of High Mass Consumption: A shift towards consumption and services as the economy becomes highly developed.