Wyatt Greco’s “Deindustrialization and Demographics” of Michigan and West Virginia presents a convincing argument of the deindustrialization linked to an area’s core industry; In this case being the automobile, and coal industry. The time period he is studying is the 1940s to 80s and from 1980 to, 2020. During this time, Greco could link the deindustrialization of Michigan and West Virginia to the decline in population density. This is shown through the two maps he has created, with red being the decline in population as mines and factories are shut down. Greco concludes that while there is a correlation between deindustrialization and the decreasing population density, that is not the only factor that is at play here. Public policy and other economic factors have also led to the decrease in population density.
Greco’s maps are clear and to the point. They provide a good basis for his argument and show a great understanding of his topic. The instructions were clear and accurate, with the sources clearly labelled and cited. Greco provides a convincing argument on how deindustrialization has affected these areas.
Greco’s methodology is sound; however, he does not explain why he is using density rather than a percentage change in population. Maps are clear, with points of interest clearly labelled, but a legend would be nice to help the reader along with the assumption that density has increased, particularly if we are not interested in reading over the methodology.
Overall, Greco did a superb job in summarizing and presenting his argument. None of his claims are unsupported and his argument is presented eloquently and to the point.
Nicely done.