Case studies are real-world examples that help you show the examiner you understand geographical concepts. For human geography, you'll need to know specific examples for topics like population, migration, settlement, economic development and more. Having detailed case studies ready to use in your exam answers can make the difference between passing and getting top marks!
Key Definitions:
When answering exam questions, don't just name your case study - weave specific details throughout your answer. Include place names, dates, statistics and explain causes and effects. Show how your example connects to geographical theories and concepts. This approach demonstrates deeper understanding than simply memorising facts.
Create acronyms for key facts, draw simple maps or diagrams, use flashcards with key statistics and practise explaining your case studies to friends or family. Try the "5W+H" method: cover the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of each case study to ensure comprehensive knowledge.
Population case studies help you demonstrate understanding of demographic change, population policies and migration patterns. You'll need examples from countries at different stages of development.
Background: Introduced in 1979 to control China's rapidly growing population, which had reached 969 million.
Key facts:
Impacts: Ageing population, labour shortages, gender imbalance, but also improved education and health outcomes for the "little emperors" generation.
Background: Kerala achieved population stability without coercive policies, despite being in a developing country.
Key facts:
Significance: Shows how development indicators can be improved without high GDP and how education (especially for women) can manage population growth voluntarily.
Migration case studies demonstrate your understanding of why people move, the impacts on source and destination areas and how migration is managed. You should know examples of both international and internal migration.
Scale: Approximately 11 million Mexican-born immigrants living in USA (2019)
Push factors:
Pull factors:
Management: Border wall construction, increased border patrol (20,000 agents), visa restrictions, DACA program for children brought illegally.
Impacts: Remittances to Mexico ($36 billion in 2019), brain drain from Mexico, cultural exchange, political tensions.
Urban case studies help you demonstrate understanding of city growth, challenges in urban areas and sustainable urban planning. You should know examples from both HICs (High Income Countries) and LICs/NEEs (Low Income Countries/Newly Emerging Economies).
Mumbai, India: 42% of population lives in slums. Dharavi slum houses 1 million people in 2.1km². Self-built housing, limited services. "Slum rehabilitation" projects often displace residents.
London, UK: Congestion charge (£15 daily) introduced 2003. Reduced traffic by 30%. Cycle superhighways, electric buses and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) to tackle pollution. Crossrail project to increase capacity.
Curitiba, Brazil: "Green Exchange" program where recyclables can be exchanged for food. 70% recycling rate. Waste separated at source. Education programs in schools. Reduced landfill use by 45%.
Economic development case studies showcase your understanding of development gaps, strategies for economic growth and the impacts of transnational corporations (TNCs).
Background: Tourism accounts for over 30% of Jamaica's GDP and employs about 25% of the workforce.
Key facts:
Benefits:
Problems:
Sustainable approaches: Community tourism initiatives, eco-tourism projects, local sourcing policies.
Background: Nike operates in over 170 countries, with manufacturing primarily in Asia.
Key facts:
Impacts on host countries:
Significance: Shows both positive and negative impacts of globalisation and how TNCs can influence development.
Different question types require different approaches to using your case studies:
These usually ask you to describe or explain a process or pattern. Include a named example with 2-3 specific details. For example: "Urban growth in Lagos, Nigeria has led to housing shortages, with over 200,000 people living in the floating slum of Makoko, where houses are built on stilts over the lagoon."
These often require evaluation or assessment. Use multiple aspects of your case study and consider different perspectives. For China's One-Child Policy, discuss both positive outcomes (slowed population growth, economic benefits) and negative consequences (ageing population, gender imbalance) with specific statistics.
As you prepare for your exam, remember these key strategies for case study revision:
Remember, examiners want to see that you can apply geographical knowledge to real-world situations. Your case studies are your evidence that you understand how geographical processes actually work in different places around the world.
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