Pattern of Uneven Development (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

Differences Between Countries

• Every country's level of development situation is unique 

• Each country can be placed into one of the four categories as identified by the UN

• As well as the reasons outlined for the development gap, there are other reasons why countries are at a certain level of development

Historic Factors

Colonialism 

• Colonialism hindered many countries development

• European countries have exploited countries they colonised in the 1700s and 1800s 

• The European countries colonised the countries and then took the resources of those countries to sell for profit

• There was an investment in colonies, but this was focused on products and infrastructure that would help the European country exploit the country and its people

• Borders were often decided by the European country with no regard for the boundaries set by the indigenous communities. This led to future tensions and conflicts

Neocolonialism

• Neocolonialism describes how developed countries dominate the least developed and developing countries today

• 'Land grabbing', where wealthier countries buy large areas of farmland in the least developed and developing countries, is of increasing concern

• In 2012, it was estimated that 200 million hectares of land, mainly in Africa and Asia, had been bought by wealthier countries to grow food for their populations. This has several impacts on those countries, including that it:

  • Forces Indigenous populations off their land 

  • Reduces the amount of food grown for the local population

  • Uses vital water resources

  • Increases pollution of water and the environment through the use of fertilisers and pesticides

Social Factors

• Where investment in education and health is lower, countries develop at a slower rate

• Education helps to increase the number of people with higher levels of education and skills, which:

  • Increases the skilled workforce 

  • Supports the development of secondary and tertiary economic activities

• Investment in healthcare and clean water reduces the number of people who are sick:

  • People are healthier and more able to work, which boosts the economy

Political & Economic Factors

Politics

• Political corruption can affect investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare

• Wars and conflict lead to money being spent on weapons rather than investment in development

Economy

• Open economies  encourage foreign investment to help them develop more rapidly 

• Large-scale investment by Transnational Corporations (TNCs) can lead to the multiplier effect or cumulative causation which further boosts the economy

• The least developed and developing countries tend to rely on primary produce, which means profits are lower as the price paid for the goods is lower

• Many of the least developed and developing countries are in debt to the developed countries, which means that: 

  • The countries have to spend money paying off the debt and the interest on the debt

  • There is reduced investment in development

Differences Within Countries

• As well as differences between countries, there are also differences in development within countries:

  • This can be seen in all countries, whether they are developed, emerging or developing

  • Often, development is focused on particular regions

• Inequalities within countries are due to several factors

• Cumulative causation theory is one explanation for regional differences:

  • Growth in the core region attracts skilled labour and capital

  • Areas in the periphery suffer as skilled labour leaves and investment is focused on the core

  • The gap between the core and the periphery grows

  • Eventually, the growth of the core region may stimulate growth in the periphery due to the demand for raw materials

• There are three stages of regional inequality:

  • Pre-industrial stage - regional differences are at their lowest

  • Period of rapid economic growth - increasing regional differences

  • Regional economic convergence - where wealth from the core spreads to other parts of the country 

Causes of Regional Inequalities

• Residence: Urban areas generally attract greater levels of investment, leading to increased business and incomes: 

  • There may also be inequality within the urban area

• Ethnicity: Discrimination can result in ethnic groups having income levels significantly below those of the dominant groups within a country. This reduces the opportunities open to these groups

• Employment: The split between formal and informal employment impacts incomes. Formal jobs usually have higher incomes and greater benefits, such as holidays and sick pay

• Education: Those with higher levels of education usually gain higher-paying employment 

• Land ownership: Inequalities in land ownership are strongly linked to inequalities in income