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Essay / Geographic Advantage: A Game Changer
Table of ContentsIntroductionBody ParagraphsConclusion (expanded)ReferencesIntroductionThe concept of geographic luck refers to the idea that where a person was born and raised significantly influences their opportunities and its results in life. This essay will delve deeper into the different aspects of geographic luck, focusing on its implications for social mobility, economic development and political stability. Drawing on evidence from academic studies, expert opinions, and real-world examples, this essay will critically examine the role of geographic luck in shaping individual and collective destinies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBody ParagraphsGeographic luck plays a crucial role in determining social mobility, as the opportunities available to individuals often depend on their place of birth and residence. For example, research by economist Raj Chetty and colleagues (2014) found that children from low-income families in some U.S. cities are more likely to advance than those in other cities, due to factors such as better schools, safer neighborhoods, and stronger social networks. The geographic location of a country or region also influences its economic development, as certain places have natural resources, favorable climates, and strategic positions that facilitate trade and growth. For example, a study by economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson (2001) found that countries with temperate climates and access to waterways tend to have higher incomes and better institutions. than those in tropical regions or landlocked areas. These factors also affect political stability, as the physical characteristics of a country or region can facilitate or hinder the formation of cohesive states and the provision of public goods. For example, research by political scientist Alberto Alesina and colleagues (2003) showed that ethnolinguistic fractionalization, which often results from geographic factors, is negatively correlated with political stability and the quality of governance. The mechanisms by which geographic luck operates can be broadly classified into three groups: natural endowments, social institutions, and cultural norms. Natural endowments refer to the physical characteristics of a place, such as its climate, topography, and natural resources, that can facilitate or hinder human activities. Social institutions refer to the formal and informal rules that govern a society, such as its political system, legal framework, and educational institutions, which can either promote or inhibit social mobility and economic development. Cultural norms refer to a society's shared beliefs and values, which can encourage or discourage innovation, cooperation, and other behaviors that contribute to success. Geographic luck operates in various contexts, from the individual to the national level. For example, a study by economist Enrico Moretti (2012) found that the presence of innovative industries in a city, such as high-tech companies in Silicon Valley, can create ripple effects that benefit other industries and workers, leading to higher wages and better working conditions. employment opportunities for residents. At the national level, a study of..