Development Geography

Development Geography is the subfield of human geography that examines the spatial patterns of development and the varying standards of living and quality of life across the Earth. It investigates the complex causes and consequences of uneven development, analyzing how historical, political, economic, and social processes like colonialism, globalization, and trade shape the disparities between different places and peoples. This field not only measures and maps development but also critically evaluates dominant development models and explores alternative approaches, such as sustainable development and the reduction of global inequality.

1. Foundations of Development Geography
   1. Defining Development
      1. Economic Growth
         1. GDP and Economic Output
         2. Growth Rate Calculations
         3. Sectoral Contributions to Growth
      2. Human Development
         1. Capabilities Approach
         2. Quality of Life Measures
         3. Well-being Indicators
      3. Distinctions between Economic Growth and Human Development
         1. Measurement Differences
         2. Policy Implications
         3. Case Study Comparisons
      4. Freedom and Capabilities Approach
         1. Amartya Sen's Framework
         2. Functionings vs Capabilities
         3. Agency and Empowerment
         4. Practical Applications
   2. Core Concepts in Development Geography
      1. Development
         1. Multidimensional Nature
         2. Historical Evolution of Definitions
         3. Cultural Perspectives on Development
      2. Underdevelopment
         1. Structural Causes
         2. Historical Roots
         3. Perpetuation Mechanisms
      3. Uneven Development
         1. Spatial Manifestations
         2. Scale Dependencies
         3. Cumulative Causation
      4. Inequality
         1. Income Inequality
         2. Wealth Distribution
         3. Social Stratification
         4. Spatial Inequality Patterns
      5. Poverty
         1. Absolute Poverty Measures
         2. Relative Poverty Concepts
         3. Multidimensional Poverty Assessment
         4. Poverty Traps
   3. Spatial Dimensions of Development
      1. Global North-South Divide
         1. Historical Origins
         2. Contemporary Relevance
         3. Critiques of the Binary
      2. Core-Periphery Models
         1. Theoretical Foundations
         2. Spatial Applications
         3. Dynamic Relationships
         4. Limitations and Critiques
      3. Scales of Development Analysis
         1. Global Scale Patterns
         2. National Development Trajectories
         3. Regional Variations
         4. Local Development Processes
         5. Cross-Scale Interactions
   4. Historical Evolution of Development Thought
      1. Colonial Era Foundations
         1. Economic Extraction Systems
         2. Civilizing Mission Ideologies
         3. Administrative Structures
      2. Post-World War II Development Project
         1. Bretton Woods System
         2. Marshall Plan Model
         3. Decolonization Context
      3. Modernization Paradigm Era
         1. Linear Development Models
         2. Technology Transfer Emphasis
         3. State-Led Industrialization
      4. Neoliberal Turn
         1. Market Fundamentalism
         2. Structural Adjustment Era
         3. Privatization Policies
      5. Alternative Development Paradigms
         1. Participatory Development
         2. Rights-Based Approaches
         3. Sustainable Development Emergence