Download Slide 1

Economic Geography:
An Introduction
Lecture 1
Based on Stutz – Chap 1
Egeo312
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
1
Today’s Objectives
 Define
Geography
– Focusing on Human Geography
 What
do Geographers do
– Discuss application of Geography to
the World
 Subfield
of Economic Geography
– Discuss major Paradigms for
understanding our world
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
2
Definition of Human Geography
Simple definition:
Geography is a discipline concerned with:
Why things are located
where they are.
Stutz and Warf
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
3
Expansion on this
Is a science that deals with
two questions:
• Where are things – Looks at and
for PATTERNS
• Why/How things are at a location
– Looks at and for PROCESSES
James Rubenstein
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
4
Richer Definition of Geography
 “Geography (geo, “Earth,” and graphein “to write”)
the science that studies the
relationships among
–
–
–
–
–
is
geographic areas,
natural systems,
society,
cultural activities,
and the interdependence of these over
space.”
 Christopherson
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
5
Simpler Definition of Geography
A
quick and simple definition of
Geography thus may be: "the study
of the way in which society
organizes itself in space".
Krumme
one of my old Prof’s at UW
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
6
Key Concepts or main bullet
points for building a definition
Where & Why
 Pattern & Process
 Emphasizes Space
 Science
 Relationships between Humans and
Environment
 Relationships human to human

Geography & Econ Geog Definition
7
Five Fundamental themes of
Human Geography
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
8
The Five Fundamental Themes of Human
Geography identify the core of geography as
a discipline.
1-LOCATION : Position on the Earth's Surface.
2-PLACE : Physical and Human Characteristics
3-RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN PLACES : Humans
and Environment.
4-MOVEMENT (relationships between places):
Humans Interacting on the Earth.
5-REGIONS : How they form and Change.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
9
1. Location : Position on the
Earth's Surface.
 Absolute
– usually based on
coordinate systems
– Example: Bellingham is at ____ lat
____ long
 Relative
– relative to other entities
– Adjacent to resources
– On a network with other places
 Example
– Bellingham is located between
the Cities of Vancouver and Seattle
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
10
2. PLACE : Physical and Human
Characteristics of/at a location
SITE
 Give
Meaning and distinction
 Physical characteristics derive
from the geological, hydrological,
atmospheric, and biological
processes that produce land forms,
water bodies, climate, soils, natural
vegetation, and animal life
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
11
2. PLACE

-- Bellingham Some Physical
Characteristics
Example
– Geological – in the Fraser Lowland & Chuckanut
Highlands
– Hydrological – drained by Whatcom Creek and fed
by Lake Whatcom
– Water bodies – between Lake Whatcom (east) &
Bellingham Bay (west)
– Climate - mild, maritime climate with
temperatures ranging from 45 to 60 degrees in
spring and fall, 30 to 50 degrees in winter…
– Etc…
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
12
2. PLACE : Physical and Human
Characteristics
 Human
Characteristics
– Places differ in their population size and
density, settlement patterns,
architecture, kinds of economic and
recreational activities, transportation,
communication networks, culture,
language, ideology, philosophy…
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
13
2. PLACE

-- Bellingham Some Human
Characteristics
Example
–
–
–
–
Population – 71289 (est 2003)
Largest Employer – Western Washington University
“City of subdued excitement”
Etc…
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
14
2. PLACE

-Bellingham
Some
Example
Human Demographic
Characteristics
Metropolitan Area Residents
1980: 107,000
1990: 127,780
2000: 166,814
Percent change, 1990–2000: 30.5%
U.S. rank in 2000: 185th
City Residents
1980: 45,794
1990: 52,179
2000: 67,171
2003 estimate: 71,289
Percent change, 1990–2000: 28.7%
U.S. rank in 1980: 466th
U.S. rank in 1990: 477th (State rank: 9th)
U.S. rank in 2000: 461st (State rank: 10th)
Density: 2,619.3 people per square mile (2000)
Racial and ethnic characteristics (2000)
White: 59,031
Black or African American: 655
American Indian and Alaska Native: 997
Asian: 2,853
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: 116
Hispanic or Latino (may be of any race): 3,111
Other: 1,450
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
15
3a. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN
PLACES : Humans and
Environment.
 All
places on earth have advantages
and disadvantages for human
settlement.
– Name some for the PacNW in regards to
the Environment
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
16
3b. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN
PLACES : Humans and
Environment.
 People
modify and adapt to natural
settings in ways that reveal their
cultural values, economic and
political circumstances, and
technological abilities.
– What happened with European arrival here
– What about the Hong Kongese in Vancouver in
the 1990s?
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
17
Richmond BC
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
18
3c. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN
PLACES : Humans and
Environment.
 The
resulting human- environment
relationships have consequences for
people and for the environment
– Produce a worldwide mosaic of patterns
dependent upon culture and
environment.
– Each place has its distinctive patterns of
human- environment relationships.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
19
4-MOVEMENT/NETWORKS :
Humans Interacting on the Earth.
SITUATION
 Human
beings are unevenly
distributed across the face of the
earth.
 People interact with each other
through travel and communication
Map of international
phone-call traffic in
2005, from
Telegeography. The
map shows the
disproportionate
centrality of the USA in
international telephone
traffic.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
20
4-MOVEMENT/NETWORKS :
Humans Interacting on the Earth.
SITUATION
 The
most visible evidences of global
interdependence and the interaction
are trade, transportation and
communication systems that link the
world
World
at
night
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
21
Emma Maersk, Wal-Mart gets its stuff from
China with this ship
New Maersk Container Ship 18000 TEU Triple-E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apuxHiIeQuU&feature=related
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
23
the largest container vessel in the world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ2lOw1NWgc&feature=related
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
24
EMMA MAERSK - WORLD'S BIGGEST CONTAINER
VESSEL @ OUR JEBELALI PORT,DUBAI.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huWi35cP4kg
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
25
Jebel Ali Port, Dubai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEv4fGDCliA&fe
ature=related
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
26
Singapore Port - World's Busiest Port
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpRmF3iMq24&feature=rel
ated
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
27
What can go wrong
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VkY17zzLEA
28
5a. REGIONS : How they form
and Change.
 The
basic unit of geographic study is
the region.
 A region is any area that display
unity in terms of a selected criteria.
– Such as: political power, language,
religion, environment, agricultural
products, trade, perception…
– A region is the same within itself, but
different from surrounding area
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
29
Regions
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
30
Chinese Indurtrial Regions
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
31
5b. REGIONS : How they form
and Change.
 Region
is an organizational concept
used to:
– examine,
– define,
– describe,
– explain,
– and analyze the human and natural
environments of the earth.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
32
5b. REGIONS : How they form
and Change.
 Economic
Region forms based on
favorable (1)Site and (2)Situation
conditions at a (3)given time and
(4)technology
 Regions change as the four above
conditions change
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
33
Is Silicon Valley Migrating to
China?
NY Times
Friday, January 8, 2010
Asian Computer
Makers Move Into
Riskier Ventures
By ASHLEE VANCE
Companies that once built devices to Silicon
Valley’s specifications are now investing in
start-ups so they can compete with their
former customers.
Why might it
move? Solicit
class.
1. Lower labor
costs?
2. New
technological
breakthroughs
3. Better capital
markets
Click here to read more
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
34
For careers and more see
The Five Fundamental Themes of
Geography
http://www.hannasd.org/sths/gaffey/5themes.htm
Essential Academic Learning
Requirements: Geography
http://www.k12.wa.us/curriculumInstruct/SocStudies/geographyEALRs.aspx
Career Resources: What is geography
at the UW http://depts.washington.edu/geogjobs/
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
35
How much to ship Nike Shoes

1.
2.
3.
InClass Exercises
What is an average price of Nike
Shoes?
How much does it cost to ship these
shoes from China to Northern
Europe?
What percentage of the final cost
goes to transportation?
(U:\Geo312-2011\InClass Exercises)
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
36
What do Geographers Do
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
37
Geographers Study Space
1.
2.
3.
What is where
How it is used
How it is modified
All of this reflects spatial patterns and
processes
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
38
Pattern and Process
 Pattern
– Where and What
– Organize the world into parts based on
 Location
 Place
Characteristics
 Boundaries between differences
– Look for regularities – describe what is
found
– Differentiate from irregularities
– Deffinition of pattern: a discernible coherent system
based on the intended interrelationship of component
parts http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pattern
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
39
Patterns and Process
 Process
– Look for explanations to explain
patterns
– How and Why
 How
did something appear on the earth
 Why did it appear
 What is the relationship between the natural
environment and the built environment
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
40
Pattern
 Emphasizes:
– Location
– Space characteristics
– Regions
1. For the red dots, what is the
pattern here?
2. What process might have
created it?
3. Are there regions?
4. What is this?
http://www.haggen.com/Locations.aspx
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
41
Process
 Emphasizes
– Human-Environment Interactions
– Human-Human Interactions across
space
– Movement
– Spatial Interactions
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
42
Chicken & Egg
 Where
something occurs effects How
it occurs
– Pattern is not independent of Process
 BUT
 How
something occurs is effected by
Where it occurs
– Process is dependent on pre-existing
spatial patterns
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
43
Example
 Pattern
first
– New Road pattern create new processes
of spatial activity
– Process follows pattern
 Process
first
– Congestion creates demand for new
roads
– Pattern follows process
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
44
Geographer’s Job
 Link
Spatial Patterns to Social,
Economic, Cultural, and
Environmental Processes
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
45
Geographer’s Job
Understanding that:
 Human Geographic Landscape is a
Social Creation influenced by and
influencing the Natural Environment
 Human—Environment interactions
are key to understanding our world
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
46
Economic Geography
 Five
Schools of thought
 Note although these are introduced,
– Stutz (and much of this course) only
emphasizes the first school
– In contrast Dr. Rossiter utilizes many of
the alternative schools in his classes
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
47
Economic Geography
Schools of Thought
 “Scientific” or Location Theory
 Behavioral
 Humanistic
 Structuralists
 Post Structuralists
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
48
Location Theorists
 Rely
on Quantitative data
 Scientific Method
 Neo Classical Economics
 Individual as a Maximizer (homo
economicus)
 Majority of work falls into this area
(including most of our textbook)
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
49
Behavioralists
 Imperfect
Information
 Uncertainty
 Sub Optimal behavior
 Individual is seen as an Optimizer
not Maximizer
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
50
Optimizer vs Maximizer

Traditional Societies
– Plant corn, beans, and squash all in same “hill”
 Although
they compete for nutrients and can “stunt”
one another’s growth you optimize your efforts in that
at least one might survive if others fail

American Farmers
– Plant monoculture – one field one crop
 Although
failure can wipe them out, on
average their economic return is maximum
over time
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
51
Humanistic
Humanistic Geography
According to humanists, science
should focus on creative, imaginative
human beings, particularly the
ordinary folk.
 Whereas “spatial science” has a lack
of interest in, and does not possess
methods for understanding,
individuals

Geography & Econ Geog Definition
52
Humanistic
The reliance on ‘homo economicus’ (a
model that assumes rational
decision-making based on economic
costs/benefits) is unethical.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
53
Humanistic
 Spatial
scientists tend to assume
that they can be and are ‘objective’
(i.e., politically and emotionally
neutral).
 Yet, just as with any individual, they
are motivated by a range of
subjective feelings and ideas.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
54
Humanistic
 Spatial
scientists, therefore, tend to
promote an illusionary view from
nowhere, or Gods-eye view of the
world.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
55
Humanistic
In Contrast
 Humanists believe that an
assessment of one’s own
presuppositions leads to a more
realistic appraisal of others.
 Many philosophers have talked about
and tried to explain Humanistic
geography and most seem to be
French.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
56
Humanistic
Leading American Humanist
Geographer is Yi-Fu Tuan
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
57
Structuralists



In a nutshell believe
the “rules” the
structures favor some
places over others
The world is unfair
because we make it
unfair.
Has proven to be
popular in the 3rd
World and with NeoMarxist scholars
Wallerstein leader in this field.
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
58
Videos to accompany the
schools
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
59
World Bank – very much part of
the neo-classical approach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6ihEQtCSss
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
60
Is Walmart Good for America?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6281757350710695719&ei=UsBES5GbH6XOrAOg5rHJDg&q=walmart&hl=en#
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
61
Crash Course -- Imperialism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alJaltUmrGo
Geography & Econ Geog Definition
62