Demographic Changes, Consumption Patterns and the Midwest Economy
During the last twenty years a
variety of factors including oil
shocks, technological change
and increased foreign competition
have reshaped industries
and prompted widespread reorganization.
Within the auto, steel and other durable goods
industries that form the core of Midwest manufacturing,
many firms have downsized, relocated
facilities, reduced wages and profits and
suffered general economic malaise. As these
industries have been transformed, the Midwest
has undergone a substantial economic adjustment.
