Last updated on Jun 13, 2026

Case Study → Global Shift of Manufacturing - China (Edexcel A-Level Geography): Revision Notes

📚 Revision Notes

Case Study \to Global Shift of Manufacturing - China Context ● Played an important role in reducing extreme poverty ○ From 88% of population in 1981 to only 0.7% in 2018 ● Shenzhen and other SEZs gave China the name'Workshop of the world' ● Before SEZs and 'Open door' working conditions were terrible ○ Between 2000-2010, conditions dramatically improved for many workers ● ↑ high value tech being made in China, not just throw-away items Costs ● In the early years many workers were exploited in sweatshops ○ Approx 2500 metal workers in Yongkang lost a limb or finger each year due to dangerous factory conditions ● Still workers who continue to be exploited ● Environmental issues • v. poor air quality ○ ↓ life expectancy by approx 5 yrs ○ Very high levels of small particulate matter Benefits ● As conditions improve, so are incomes ○ More people have a disposable income • can afford phones, fridges etc ○ Car ownership ↑ since 2000 from 1/100 families to ⅕ ● Local companies have adopted technologies and management techniques brought by the TNCs ● China's companies are also starting to develop their own products The shift away from Chinese manufacturing

Context	● Played an important role in reducing extreme poverty ○ From 88% of population in 1981 to only 0.7% in 2018 ● Shenzhen and other SEZs gave China the name 'Workshop of the world' ● Before SEZs and 'Open door' working conditions were terrible ○ Between 2000-2010, conditions dramatically improved for many workers ● ↑ high value tech being made in China, not just throw-away items
Costs	● In the early years many workers were exploited in sweatshops ○ Approx 2500 metal workers in Yongkang lost a limb or finger each year due to dangerous factory conditions ● Still workers who continue to be exploited ● Environmental issues • v. poor air quality ○ ↓ life expectancy by approx 5 yrs ○ Very high levels of small particulate matter
Benefits	● As conditions improve, so are incomes ○ More people have a disposable income • can afford phones, fridges etc ○ Car ownership ↑ since 2000 from 1/100 families to ⅕ ● Local companies have adopted technologies and management techniques brought by the TNCs ● China's companies are also starting to develop their own products

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