Assignment Flashcards
Research methods
Phillips School Atlas, 99th
Royal Geographical Society approved :)
Published 2019 :(
CIA World Factbook
Government source :)
Can search for specific information :)
Assignment Structure
Research methods x6
Data collection x6
Data analysis x6+ x8
Conclusion x2
Data collection
Census, description
War interfering
Illiteracy
Registrar, description, birth rates
Shanty towns
Data analysis
GDP per Capita
Birth rate
Illiteracy
IHSI
Life expectancy
Internet usage
GDP per Capita
Mineral wealth owned by overseas companies
Trend of poor education
Birth rate and population structure
Access to contraception, high infant mortality rates, children needed for work
Illiteracy
War
Low income
Continued trend
IHSI
Conflict and political corruption and instability
Life expectancy
Better Healthcare, clean water, peace
Internet usage
Affordability, infrastructure Network
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that conflict, poor economy and political unrest in Sudan results in lower levels of development and a poorer quality of life than the UK. The UK is a developed country with good education and healthcare, contrasting starkly with Sudan.
Research method 1
One of the methods I used to find data on some social development indicators for Sudan and the UK were books. The main book I used was the Phillips Modern School Atlas, 99th edition.
An advantage of this book was the reliability of the information, having been approved for school use and fact checked before publishing, in association with the Royal Geographical Society - a reliable government source.
A disadvantage is that the book was published in 2019, now 5 years ago, so it is not the most up-to-date source. Some factors may have changed since then and data may have become more inaccurate.
Research method 2
Another method I used were government websites such as the CIA World Factbook.
Because this is a government source we can know that it has been written and fact checked by professionals, without the bias or desire to shock audiences that may be found in other media sources online.
Because this site is accessible through the internet, it is quick and easy to find information, making it an effective method of research. The ability to search for specific pages also avoids any unnecessary sifting through unneeded information.
Census description
The census is one method of collecting data on development indicators such as population structure, employment and income. It is a service sent out to every household in the country every 10 years. There is a fine for not completing it which is an incentive to fill it out.
It records some social development indicators such as literacy rates and internet usage which can show us the quality of education and lifestyle. Adult literacy is the percentage of the adult population that can read and write and is a good indicator of the quality of education in a country.
Census and war
Data from Sudan may be unreliable as carrying out a census could be difficult. There is significant conflict in Sudan and war impedes data collection as it creates danger for enumerators and may reduce funds available as so much is being spent on militia.
Census and illiteracy
Another issue with carrying out a census is illiteracy. Illiteracy shows the poor level of education available in developing countries such as Sudan, and can cause inaccurate census data as people may make mistakes or miss information.
Registrar
Another method of gathering population data is through the Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages which keeps track of the population.
The Registrar can show us information about birth rates and population structure. Birth rates are often higher in developing countries due to factors such as high infant mortality, and the registrar can show this.
GDP detail
A significant difference between the GDP per Capita of Sudan and the UK can be seen. Over the last 4 years, the UK’s GDP has not dropped below 30,000 USD, whereas Sudan’s GDP has been consistently below 2500 USD, showing a much higher level of development in the UK.
One of the reasons for this difference in development is that although Sudan is relatively rich in mineral wealth deposits, many large mines in Sudan are owned by overseas companies, and the profits are not staying in the country to benefit its development. This lack of profits from mineral wealth continues the trend of lack of education and poor healthcare which continues to limit Sudan’s wealth and development.
Birth rate detail
Birth rate and population structure also feature notable differences between Sudan and the UK. Sudan’s birth rates per 1000 people have been about triple those of the UK’s between 2000 and 2020. This creates a population structure for Sudan typical of LEDCs, with a large younger population rapidly narrowing to a pyramidal point.
Some reasons for these birth trends include lack of access to contraception due to poor healthcare and education, and high infant mortality rates which leads people to have more children in the hope that more of them will survive. Another reason for higher birth rates could be children being needed to work and look after their parents or family to augment a low income and poor care for the elderly.
Illiteracy détail
Illiteracy rate is another indicator which can be compared between Sudan and the UK, with Sudan’s % of adult illiteracy being more than 40%. The UKs illiteracy rates are virtually nothing.
This shows a significantly lower quality of education in Sudan which will impact people’s livelihoods and overall quality of life. This could be impacted by conflict which disrupts schools and means more government spending goes on the military and leaves less for education. People with a low income may also not be able to afford to send their children to school because they need them to work. This continues the trend of lack of education as these children will not be able to access higher paying jobs in future, unlike children in the UK who have consistent free education.
IHSI detail
The International Human Suffering Index also shows higher levels of suffering and human rights abuses in Sudan, with it ranking Extreme compared to the UKs Minimal.
A reason for this is likely the political situation, with government upheaval and poor judicial system leading to civil unrest and conflict. Conflict between military forces of the SAF and RSF can be seen in the Dafur region of Sudan in particular, in contrast to the UKs peaceful state.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy disparity can be seen between Sudan and the UK, with Sudan’s life expectancy being below 70 years, and the UKs being above 75 years, demonstrating poorer living conditions in Sudan.
This higher life expectancy in the UK is likely because of better healthcare, diet and civil harmony which all allow people to live well into their old age. The conflict in Sudan and inconsistent access to clean water are also factors for premature death in Sudan.
Internet usage
Internet usage also shows poorer development in Sudan, with approximately a quarter of the Sudanese population using the internet, compared to more than 80% in the UK.
Lower internet access in Sudan may come with low income making devices unaffordable, as well as poor infrastructure. In contrast, the UK has a developed economy allowing for up-to-date broadband and mobile networks and higher average income to afford devices.
