Overview
This lecture introduces the main concepts of development in development geography, including types of development, classifications of countries, and the importance of resource use and control.
Definition and Concepts of Development
- Development means bringing change or improvement, usually using resources and technology.
- In geography, development is defined as using resources and technology to improve quality of life and living standards.
Types of Development
- Economic Development: Focuses on increasing economic wealth, including human capital (average income), infrastructure, trade, and environmental sustainability.
- Social Development: Involves improving people's lives, such as achieving gender equality, access to basic services, disease control, employment generation, poverty eradication, and empowering marginalized groups.
- Sustainable Development: Meets present needs without compromising future generations’ needs by using resources wisely.
Classification of Countries
- Developed Countries: Have economies based mainly on secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) sectors; also called First World, Rich North, or MEDCs (More Economically Developed Countries).
- Developing Countries: Non-industrialized with few industries, mainly relying on primary sector activities (farming, fishing, mining); also known as Third World, Poor South, or LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries).
- The "Rich North" refers to developed countries in the Northern Hemisphere; "Poor South" refers to less developed countries mainly in the Southern Hemisphere.
Economic Growth and Resource Use
- Economic growth is a country's ability to generate wealth using its resources.
- Proper control and use of resources are necessary for development; exporting raw resources without value addition leads to underdevelopment.
Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs)
- NICs are developing countries transitioning from agricultural to industrial economies, focusing more on producing goods rather than only harvesting resources.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Development — Using resources and technology to bring about positive change and improve quality of life.
- Economic Development — Growth in wealth, infrastructure, and trade.
- Social Development — Improvements in living standards and equality.
- Sustainable Development — Development that preserves resources for future generations.
- Developed Countries (MEDCs/First World/Rich North) — Countries with advanced industrial and service sectors.
- Developing Countries (LEDCs/Third World/Poor South) — Countries with fewer industries, relying on agriculture and resource export.
- Economic Growth — The ability of a country to generate wealth.
- Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs) — Nations moving from agriculture-based to industry-based economies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review definitions and examples of the three types of development.
- Research real-world examples of newly industrialized countries.
- Study the difference between economic sectors: primary, secondary, and tertiary.