Case Study → Unsuccessful Region - Rust Belt (Detroit, Michigan) (Edexcel A-Level Geography): Revision Notes

Case Study → Unsuccessful Region - Rust Belt (Detroit, Michigan)

Context	● US coal industry only surviving as is heavily subsidised by the US gov
Detroit, Michigan	● Once Michigan was known as the centre of American car manufacturing ● Population fell by over 50% in 45 years ● Average household income was half the national average in 2015 ● Poverty rate was 38% in 2014 ● Less than 30% graduate from hig
Social consequences of inequality	Reduced ● Trust in people in positions of power ● Social and civic participation ● Educational attainment ● Attachment to the place Increased ● Segregation of different socio-economic groups ● Crime ● Health issues

| Reasons for the
Rust Belt decline | ● Overseas companies produce cheaper coal and steel
● Mining companies have mechanised to cut costs
● Lower wage costs in other locations | | Impacts | ● 80,000 jobs were lost in car manufacturing in Michigan over 15 years
● Brain drain
● High crime rates
● Reduced revenue for councils as spending falls ∴ less investment in local environment |

•                                                                 Rust Belt (Detroit, Michigan)*