2. Types of Regions and Methods of Regionalization

Case Study 1: Administrative and Functional Regions in India

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Regionalization:

• Core-Periphery Model (Friedmann, 1966) – Highlights spatial inequalities in development.
• Growth Centre Model (Perroux, 1955) – Focuses on planned development through designated growth centers.
• Urban-Rural Continuum Model – Studies the transition between urban and rural areas.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Thiessen Polygon Method – Used for defining regional boundaries.
• Spatial Interaction Model – Explains movement and interaction between regions.
• Regional Development Strategies Model – Examines approaches to regional planning.

Recent Data:

• State GDP Variations: Maharashtra contributes 14% to India’s GDP, while Bihar lags behind.
• Regional Planning: Smart Cities Mission aims to balance urban growth.
• Infrastructure Development: Highway expansion connecting rural and urban areas.

Spatial Variation:

• Urban Centers: High economic influence due to industrial and commercial hubs.
• Rural Areas: Moderate development with agricultural dependency.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Administrative regionalization evolving since colonial era.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in decentralized governance and infrastructure investments.

Source:

• Types of Regions and Methods of Regionalization

Insight:

India’s administrative and functional regions highlight regional disparities, requiring targeted development strategies.

Case Study 2: Economic and Cultural Regions in the United States

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Regionalization:

• Spatial Interaction Model – Explains movement and interaction between regions.
• Industrial Location Models (Weber, Losch) – Explain the spatial distribution of industries.
• Core-Periphery Model (Friedmann, 1966) – Highlights spatial inequalities in development.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Thiessen Polygon Method – Used for defining regional boundaries.
• Growth Pole Model (Boudeville, 1966) – Examines how development is concentrated around specific centers.
• Regional Development Strategies Model – Examines approaches to regional planning.

Recent Data:

• Silicon Valley: Accounts for 40% of global tech innovation.
• Rust Belt Decline: Manufacturing job losses exceeding 2 million since 2000.
• Economic Shifts: Rise of service-based industries in Sun Belt states.

Spatial Variation:

• Economic Regions: High-tech hubs in California vs. declining industrial zones in the Midwest.
• Cultural Regions: Strong Hispanic influence in the Southwest vs. traditional European heritage in the Northeast.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Economic regionalization evolving since industrial revolution.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in digital economy and regional trade agreements.

Source:

• Types of Regions and Methods of Regionalization

Insight:

The U.S. demonstrates functional regionalization, where economic specialization defines urban centers.