Using examples, analyse the increasing uniformity of many of the world’s urban landscapes.

“Geographical differences in wealth are increasing, not decreasing.” Using examples, discuss this statement.

The focus is the character of the urban landscape, not city size.

“Uniformity” might relate to increased homogeneity of appearance, the growth of branded “commodityscapes” (clone towns), the trend towards a “global language” of modern architecture (“technoscapes”), the recurrence of some global diaspora groups in multiple world cities (eg, Chinatowns). The concept of landscape could also encompass the associated concept of soundscape (common music and languages that are heard in many places) and the ubiquity of English or Spanish words and brand names in advertising and public spaces in world cities and airports.

The analysis should go beyond mere description to offer some analysis of why this is happening (this might encompass the power of TNCs, superpower states such as the USA, the influential role of some architects).

Good answers may analyse the category of “urban landscapes” and might distinguish, using the concept of scale, between megacities, world cities and smaller towns. Another approach would be to analyse a trend towards uniformity in some – but not all – respects. There are many “mixed” urban landscapes, like London and Paris, which retain heritage alongside new technoscapes (in contrast to some cities, such as Doha and Dubai, which lack the same mix).

Do not over-credit answers which compare the size, function and sustainability of cities unless there is some clear reference to the taught elements of the paper three course which deal with landscape characteristics.

For band C (4-6 marks), expect a weakly-evidenced outline of one or two ways in which recognizable place(s) are becoming increasingly uniform (eg branded logos).

For band D (7-8 marks), expect

• either a more detailed and well-exemplified analysis of the increased uniformity of urban landscapes
• or an analysis that contains explanatory elements (such as the power of planners and corporations, or demands of consumers).

For band E (9-10 marks), expect both band D traits.

[10 marks]

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

The focus is on wealth differences. The question presents the view that these are increasing between places, but also requires consideration of an opposing view (that they are decreasing). Both should be addressed with appropriate supporting evidence. The economic development of BRICs/semi-periphery nations might be contrasted with the struggles that still prevail in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Possible themes from the geography guide include:

• changes in the global core and periphery system/pattern [Guide 2]
• financial flows/relationships such as remittances/aid/SAPs/outsourcing, and their varied effects on people and places [Guide 3]
• the role of financial institutions (IMF, WTO) [Guide 3]
• multi-governmental organizations and the way they both ameliorate and accentuate disparities through trade agreements (and, in the case of the EU, through migration) [Guide 6]
• political isolationism and the effect of this on disparities [Guide 7]
• various reactions against global interactions and their economic impacts (for instance, local sourcing of food is not in the immediate economic interest of farmers in distant countries) [Guide 7].

Good answers are likely to discuss the geographic scale of the differences. Differences have grown within some countries like India and China at the same time as the global development gap between India/China and high-income nations has narrowed. Good answers may also discuss the ongoing (or perhaps even increasing) exploitation of workers, women or other social groups within countries that are showing progress, in terms of wealth/GDP/GNI, when measured at the national/aggregate level.

For band C (5-8 marks), expect a weakly-evidenced outline of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide.

For band D (9-12 marks), expect

• either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).

For band E (13-15 marks), expect both of these traits.

[15 marks]