Urbanization

Urbanization is the increasing number of

people that live in urban areas
OR
Transformation of a society from a rural to an
urban one.


Causes of urbanization
1. Industrialization
Industrialization is a major cause of urbanization. It has expanded the
employment opportunities. Rural people have migrated to cities on
account of better employment opportunities.
2. Social factors
Many social factors such as attraction of cities, better standard of living,
better educational facilities, need for status also induce people to migrate
to cities.
3. Employment opportunities
In rural sector people have to depend mainly on agriculture for their
livelihood. But Asian agriculture is depending on monsoon. In low
rainfall/drought situations, rural people have to migrate to cities.
4. Migration
5. Modernization
Urban areas are characterized by sophisticated technology better
infrastructure, communication, medical facilities, etc. People feel that
they can lead a comfortable life in cities and migrate to cities.
Rural urban transformation
It is an interesting aspect that not only cities are growing in
number but rural community is adopting urban culture, no
longer rural communities are retaining their unique rural
culture. Rural people are following the material culture of
urban people. Urban rural transformation can be observed
in the following areas.
1. Spread of education;
2. Change in Dress habits.
3. Adoption of modern Technology
4. Enlightenment of women
5. Modern transport and communication. E.g.: Cell phones have
become common even among rural people.
6. Active involvement in politics.
7. Growth of infrastructure like Banks, Post office.
8. Awareness among rural consumers.
9. Increasing demand for sophisticated products like cosmetics
etc.

Effects of urbanization
Positive effect:
1. Migration of rural people to urban areas
2. Employment opportunities in urban centers
3. Transport and communication facilities
4. Educational facilities.
5. Increase in the standard of living
Urbanization can yield positive effects if it takes
place up to a desirable limit. Extensive urbanization
or indiscriminate growth of cities may result in
adverse effects. They may be as follows:

Negative effects

1. Problem of over population
Concentration of population is a major problem of cities. It has
resulted in accommodation problem, transportation problems and
unemployment.
2. Public health issues
public health issues resulting from contaminated air/water and
spread of communicable diseases due to overcrowding
3. Disintegration of Joint family
Joint family cant be maintained in cities on account of high cost of
living
4. Cost of living
High cost of living is a major problem of cities. it is very difficult for
lower income groups to maintain a decent standard of living.
5. Increase in crime rates/social issues
Urban centers are known for high rate of crimes. Theft, Murder,
Cheating, Pick pocketing are common in urban centers due to
poverty and unemployment

6. Environmental effect
The phenomenon of Urban heat islands has become a
growing concern.
An urban heat island is formed when industrial and urban
areas are developed resulting in greater production and
retention of heat.
A large proportion of solar energy that affects rural
areas is consumed evaporating water from vegetation and
soil. In cities, where there is less vegetation and exposed
soil, the majority of the suns energy is absorbed by urban
structures.
Vehicles and factories release additional city heat.
As a result, cities are often 1-3 C warmer than
surrounding landscapes.
7. Problem of Pollution
In industrialized cities pollution (air and water) is a major
problems. It may be caused by industries or by excessive
movement of vehicles.
8. Impersonal relations
The concept of neighborhood, community life are almost
absent in cities. Urban life is highly monotonous. This may
have an adverse psychological effect on individuals. People
are often self centered and they have no concern for the
fellow human beings.
9. Stress
Urban life is characterized by stress which may even strain
family relations. In cities employment of women is almost
inevitable to meet the increasing cost of living. Changing
role of women in the family creates stress in the family
which may result in divorce

Thus urbanization has its own merits and de-
merits. Urbanization cant be avoided. But the
negative effect of urbanization can be
minimized.

Strategies for Reducing Urban Growth
in Developing Countries
1. Promoting agricultural development in rural
areas.
2. Providing incentives to industries and businesses
to relocate from urban to rural areas.
3. Providing incentives to encourage new
businesses in rural areas.
4. Developing the infrastructure of rural areas,
including transportation systems, clean water
supplies, sanitary waste disposal systems, and
social services.