Core-periphery model

Definition

The core-periphery model is a concept in economic geography that illustrates the spatial distribution of economic resources and development within a region, where the 'core' areas are characterized by high levels of wealth, technological advancement, and industrialization, while the 'periphery' regions often experience lower levels of development and economic opportunities. This model helps explain the uneven distribution of resources and how certain regions benefit at the expense of others, highlighting issues such as migration, trade, and globalization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The core-periphery model was first introduced by economist Walter Rostow in the mid-20th century and has been a fundamental framework for understanding regional disparities in development.
2. Core regions are typically urbanized, with advanced infrastructure, high productivity, and access to education and healthcare, while peripheral regions are often rural with limited access to these resources.
3. In North America, the core is often represented by major cities like New York and Los Angeles, while peripheral areas might include rural parts of the Midwest or South that struggle with economic opportunities.
4. In Europe, countries like Germany and France are seen as core areas due to their strong economies and industries, whereas Eastern European nations may be viewed as peripheral due to slower economic growth and lower investment.
5. The core-periphery model emphasizes that the growth of core areas can lead to increased migration from peripheral regions as individuals seek better job opportunities and living conditions.

Review Questions

• How does the core-periphery model explain the relationship between economic growth and migration patterns?
  • The core-periphery model shows that economic growth tends to concentrate in core areas, creating better job opportunities, higher wages, and improved living standards. This disparity drives migration from peripheral regions to core areas as individuals seek to escape poverty or lack of opportunities. As people move towards more prosperous urban centers, this can exacerbate inequalities between regions and lead to further development challenges for those left behind in peripheral areas.
• Discuss how the core-periphery model can be applied to analyze economic geography in North America.
  • In North America, the core-periphery model is evident through the concentration of wealth and industry in major urban centers like New York City and San Francisco. These cities act as economic engines with advanced infrastructure and access to global markets. In contrast, peripheral regions such as parts of Appalachia or rural Midwest face challenges like declining industries and lower investment levels. This spatial inequality leads to significant differences in quality of life, education access, and employment opportunities across the continent.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on the dynamics of the core-periphery model in Europe.
  • Globalization has significantly altered the dynamics of the core-periphery model in Europe by integrating markets and creating new economic relationships between regions. While core countries like Germany have leveraged globalization to enhance their industrial capacity and attract foreign investment, peripheral countries in Eastern Europe face challenges in competing globally due to historical disadvantages and lower levels of technological advancement. This situation reinforces existing inequalities while also presenting opportunities for peripheral regions to develop through investments from core countries, thus reshaping their roles within the broader European economy.

Related terms

Uneven Development: The concept that economic growth and resources are distributed unevenly across different regions, leading to disparities in wealth and quality of life.

Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, often impacting economic geography.

Spatial Economic Theory: A framework that analyzes the relationship between space and economic activities, focusing on how geographical factors influence economic behavior and development.