Deindustrialisation - GCSE Geography Definition

Deindustrialisation is the process of decline in industrial activity in a region or economy, particularly the reduction of manufacturing and heavy industry. This change often occurs as economies move from relying on primary and secondary sectors (like manufacturing and mining) to focusing on tertiary (services) and quaternary (knowledge-based) sectors. For GCSE Geography students, it is important to understand that deindustrialisation can lead to social and economic changes, such as job losses in manufacturing industries, urban decline in former industrial areas, and shifts in population demographics, as people move in search of new employment opportunities. Causes of deindustrialisation include technological advances, global competition, and changes in consumer demand.