Research progress and prospect on development geography

doi:10.1007/s11442-021-1852-x

Abstract

Abstract:

In this paper, we review the research progress in development geography since the 20th century, focusing on its connotation and theory, fields, methods, and development trends. Specifically, we systematically review the research and applications of development geography, comprising fields such as the convergence of underdeveloped countries and regions, and the convergence of the process of improving the quality of life in developed countries and regions. Then, based on an analysis of research progress in development geography in foreign countries, we examine the development conditions and disciplinary advantages of development geography in China. Further, we highlight that future development geography research in China should focus on the latest international academic research and China’s national macro-strategic needs. Future research in development geography should be guided by the theory of sustainable development, the core of which is to improve sustainable livelihood capacity and regional green development levels in underdeveloped regions. This core includes the construction of industrial policy and development geography theory, as well as an interdisciplinary integrated research system. The focus must be placed on researching the spatial patterns, diffusion characteristics, and the convergence mechanism of regional development. Such a focus will facilitate exploration of the regulatory policies and scientific paths that serve regional economic construction and industrial development.

Key words: development geography, development paths, sustainable development, growth convergence, regional development, environmental sustainability

DENG Xiangzheng, JIN Gui, HE Shujin, WANG Chengxin, LI Zhaohua, WANG Zhanqi, SONG Malin, YANG Qingyuan, ZHANG Anlu, CHEN Jiancheng. Research progress and prospect on development geography[J].Journal of Geographical Sciences, 2021, 31(3): 437-455.

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Goal	Major progress
Goal 1: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger	The number of people living in extreme poverty has declined from 1.9 billion in 1990 to 836 million in 2015; the rate of extreme poverty in developing countries has dropped from 47% in 1990 to 14%.
Goal 2: achieve universal primary education	From 2000 to 2015, the net primary school enrollment rate in developing regions increased from 83% to 91%; from 1990 to 2015, the global literacy rate of 15-24-year-olds increased from 83% to 91%.
Goal 3: promote gender equality and empower women	By 2015, developing regions as a whole have achieved the specific goal of eliminating gender disparities in primary, secondary and higher education.
Goal 4: reduce child mortality	From 1990 to 2015, the mortality rate of children under 5 years of age decreased by more than half, from 90 deaths per 1000 live births to 43 deaths.
Goal 5: improve maternal health	From 1900 to 2013, the number of maternal deaths per 100000 live births dropped from 380 to 210, and the maternal mortality rate decreased by 45%.
Goal 6: combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases	From 2000 to 2013, the number of new HIV infections decreased by about 40%, from 3.5 million to 2.1 million.
Goal 7: ensure environmental sustainability	From 1990 to 2015, the proportion of people with access to improved drinking water increased from 76% to 91%; from 2000 to 2014, the proportion of people living in slums in developing countries decreased from 39.4% to 29.7%.
Goal 8: develop a global partnership for development	From 2000 to 2014, the real value of official assistance from developed countries rose from 81 billion US dollars to 135.2 billion US dollars, an increase of 66%.

	Indicator	Utility
Quantitative indicator	Economic indicators: Gini coefficient, gross national product (GNP) per capita, unemployment rate, energy consumption, share of primary sector	Used to measure the level and balance of socio-economic development of a country
	Social indicators: clean water and sanitation, adult literacy rate	Used to measure whether the country is meeting the needs of people
	Demographic indicators: birth rate, mortality rate, fertility rate	Used to measure the country's level of social development
	Composite indicators: gross domestic product (GDP), Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI), Human Poverty Index (HPI), Gender-Related Development Index (GDI)	Comprehensive measurement of whether the country is improving the quality and standard of life of people
Qualitative Index	Indicators that include non-material benefits such as freedoms, rights, and security.	Used to analyze indicators that are not easy to calculate or measure