ECO 343 Chapter 1 questions

Alfie Hyett
9/11/2023

1. What is the geographic perspective?

The geographic perspective is an approach that focuses on understanding and looking at how
place, space, and location affect different aspects of the world. In order to gain an
understanding of how geography affects how we live and interact with our surroundings, it takes
into account the spatial interactions, patterns, and relationships between different places and
regions.

2. Define economic geography.

The book’s definition - “Economic Geography is a subdiscipline concerned with the spatial
organization and distribution of economic activity (production, transportation, communication,
and consumption); the use of the world’s resources; and the geographic origins, structure, and
dynamics of the world economy.”

Based on your own personal perspective

I believe that economic geography refers to how different geological areas of the world affects
our economy from the production of natural and manufactured goods.

3. Explain the 5 analytical themes for approaching economic geography.

1. Why are geography and history inseparably linked?

Everyday we make history that will effect our future lives. If we cut down 10 acers of rainforest,
this is permanent in our geography until it grows back, areas like heroshima are affected
geologically today through our history as a human race.

2. Why can’t places be studied in isolation from each other?

Globalisation, environmental unity, cross-cultural relationships, economic relationships, and

historical context are all examples of how actions taken in one location can have far-reaching
effects in other locations. An in-depth knowledge of the world must take into account places
within the bigger picture of our global existence. Our world might have boarders in our eyes, but
the world is one and actions have consequences all around the world.

3. What are some ways in which nature shapes, and is shaped by the economy?

Nature can shape the economy through bringing in money from natural resources. Saudi arabia
is incredibly wealthy through their large oil supply, this in turn creates a very wealthy nation. On
the other hand, our world is mainly negatively affected by the economy. Activities such as
deforestation, overconsumption and releasing gases into the atmosphere for oil are just some
ways in which nature is effected by the economy.
 4. How is the economy related to culture?

The economy is related to culture through societies views on particular things. For example, in
England soccer is huge and so the economy around soccer is huge, comparing this to the
culture in USA where it is much more work. This creates two successful but different
economies.

5. Why are social relations an important place to begin understanding economic

landscapes?

Social relations is an important place to begin understanding economic landscapes because if

we understand how some groups can be more disadvantaged than others then see these
groups will often be economically disadvantaged too. Seeing and understanding these things
are important to the economy too.

4. Discuss the 3 principle schools of thought in theorizing economic geography.

Location theory - Location theory, often associated with classical economic geography,
focuses on the spatial distribution of economic activities and why firms and industries choose
specific locations for production and distribution.

Political Economy - Instead of focusing on individual choices, this theory analyses the
decisions and acts taken by various members of society as a whole. It concentrates on how
politics and the economy are intertwined. The main focus of this theory is class structures that
define and shape various sectors of the population, as well as the analysis of power relations
and income distribution within a society.

Poststructuralist Economic Geography - This theory is more modern and challenges

capitalism, it argues that economy is based more off society and identity.

5. How is the world economy constantly being transformed?

According to the textbook, the world economy is constantly being transformed by a combination
of technological and geopolitical forces, which in turn generate a globalization of culture, of the
economy, and of environmental issues. Around the world, countries have witnessed the steady
growth of large private corporations, the rising role of markets and a diminished role for the
state, and lower barriers to trade. Technological, transportation, and communications improving
by reducing the friction of distance and barriers to world exchange. For example, the internet
has been a driving factor of the economy also changing and offering different opportunities for
everyone across the world.

6. Define Globalization. What is occurring in the key dimensions of globalization that are
mentioned in the book?
According to the textbook, globalization “is the set of economic, political, and cultural processes
that generates increases in the volume, scope, and velocity of international transactions and
linkages.”

Some of the key dimensions of globalization are as follows: culture and consumption,
telecommunications, and economic activity forign investment, work, services and information
technology. As travel becomes more accessible, people will travel and take their cultures with
them, we can see it happening as people flee wars in the middle east to safer european
countries. Many companies outsource their supplies from other, less developed countries due to
the cheaper costs.