#AP Human Geography: Economic Development - The Night Before 🌃

Hey! Let's make sure you're feeling super confident about economic development for tomorrow. We're going to break down Rostow, Wallerstein, and Dependency Theory, making it all crystal clear. Let's dive in!

#Rostow's Stages of Development: The Ladder of Progress 🪜

#Traditional Society

• What it is: Mostly agriculture-based, with limited tech and low productivity. Think of it as a society where most people are farmers.
• Key Features: Primary production focus (farming, mining), little tech, low income, traditional methods. 🧑‍🌾
• Example: Remote rural areas in developing countries.

#Preconditions for Takeoff

• What it is: Leadership starts investing in infrastructure and education. It's like setting the stage for growth.
• Key Features: Infrastructure development (roads, ports), investment in education, shift to more productive agriculture. 🏗️
• Example: Countries in East Asia in the mid-20th century.

#Takeoff

• What it is: Rapid industrialization and urbanization. Think of factories popping up everywhere. 🏭
• Key Features: Shift to manufacturing, urbanization, rapid economic growth. 🚀
• Example: The United States in the 19th century.

#Drive to Maturity

• What it is: More skilled labor, advanced industries, and a growing service sector. It's like the economy is getting more sophisticated. 👨‍💼
• Key Features: Tech advancements, skilled labor, diversified economy, growing service sector. 💡
• Example: Japan post-WWII.

#High Mass Consumption

• What it is: High levels of tech, education, and a strong service sector. Think of it as a consumer-driven society. 🛍️
• Key Features: Highly industrialized, strong service sector, high living standards, focus on consumer goods. 💸
• Example: Western countries like the US, Canada, and many European countries.

#Wallerstein's World Systems Theory: The Global Hierarchy 🌐

• Core Countries: These are the rich, industrialized countries that control the global economy. They're the powerhouses. 💪
  • Examples: United States, Western Europe, Japan
• Periphery Countries: These are the less developed countries that provide raw materials to the core. They're often exploited. 😞
  • Examples: Many countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
• Semi-Periphery Countries: These are in between, with some industry but still dependent on the core. They're like the middle class of the world economy. ⚖️
  • Examples: Eastern European countries, South Korea, Taiwan

#Visualizing the Core-Periphery Relationship

• Core: Benefits most from the system.
• Periphery: Provides raw materials and labor.
• Semi-Periphery: Acts as a buffer and can exploit the periphery while being exploited by the core.

#The Dependency Theory: Stuck in a Cycle 🔄

• LDCs (Less Developed Countries): These countries rely on MDCs for jobs and tech, which keeps them from developing fully. 😥
  • Examples: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia
• MDCs (More Developed Countries): These countries have advanced economies and often benefit from the dependency of LDCs. 🤑
  • Examples: Australia, Canada, Japan

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

• Rostow's Model: Understand the stages and the sequence. Know the criticisms (doesn't account for colonialism or corruption).
• Wallerstein's Theory: Focus on the core-periphery relationship and how it perpetuates inequality.
• Dependency Theory: Recognize the cycle of dependence and how it hinders LDC development.

#Last-Minute Tips:

• Time Management: Quickly scan questions and tackle the easiest ones first.
• Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague answers. Be specific and use geographical terms.
• FRQs: Plan your answer before you start writing. Use topic sentences and clear examples.

#

Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Rostow's Stages of Economic Growth, which of the following is a characteristic of the "take-off" stage? (A) A subsistence-based economy (B) Mass consumption of consumer goods (C) Rapid industrialization and urbanization (D) High levels of technological innovation (E) A focus on primary sector activities

2. Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory categorizes countries based on their economic and political power. Which of the following best describes the relationship between core and periphery countries? (A) Core countries are dependent on periphery countries for manufactured goods. (B) Periphery countries dominate core countries through economic control. (C) Core countries exploit periphery countries for raw materials and cheap labor. (D) Core and periphery countries have equal economic and political power. (E) Periphery countries are the primary drivers of global innovation.

3. Which of the following best describes the main idea of Dependency Theory? (A) Less developed countries (LDCs) are independent and self-sufficient. (B) More developed countries (MDCs) are dependent on LDCs for raw materials. (C) LDCs are trapped in a cycle of dependence on MDCs, hindering their development. (D) LDCs and MDCs have equal economic and political power. (E) MDCs are primarily focused on agricultural production.

#Free Response Question

Question:

Discuss the key differences between Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth and Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory. Then, using specific examples, explain how the Dependency Theory challenges both Rostow’s and Wallerstein’s models.

Scoring Guidelines:

• (2 points) Rostow vs. Wallerstein:
  • (1 point): Accurate description of Rostow’s linear stage model (traditional, preconditions, takeoff, drive to maturity, high mass consumption).
  • (1 point): Accurate description of Wallerstein’s hierarchical model (core, periphery, semi-periphery).
• (3 points) Dependency Theory Challenge:
  • (1 point): Explanation of how Dependency Theory critiques Rostow’s model (e.g., ignores historical context, assumes all countries can follow the same path).
  • (1 point): Explanation of how Dependency Theory critiques Wallerstein’s model (e.g., highlights the exploitative nature of the core-periphery relationship).
  • (1 point): Specific examples of how LDCs are dependent on MDCs (e.g., reliance on foreign aid, debt, or foreign-owned industries).

You've got this! Go crush that exam! 💪🎉