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Urbanisation

The movement of populations from rural to urban areas is what's known as urbanisation.

Urbanisation

The movement of populations from rural to urban areas is what’s known as urbanisation, and it’s what makes it possible for cities and towns to expand. It is also possible to describe it as a steady rise in the number of people who choose to make their homes in towns and cities. It is highly influenced by the idea that cities and towns have achieved better economic, political, and social mileage compared to rural areas, and this idea plays a significant role in its formation.

As a consequence of this, urbanisation is very common in both developing and developed worlds. This is because an increasing number of people have the tendency to move closer to towns and cities in order to acquire “privileged” social and economic services as well as benefits. These include social and economic benefits such as improved education, health care, sanitation, housing, business opportunities, and transportation. Other advantages include a cleaner environment and better access to housing.

Various causes for urbanisation

1. Industrialisation

Industrialisation is a trend that represents a shift away from the traditional agricultural economics and toward the novel non-agricultural economy, which results in the creation of a more modern society. Because of the rise in the number of available jobs brought about by the industrial revolution, a greater number of people have been drawn to relocate from rural to urban areas.

Industrialisation has resulted in an increase in employment opportunities by providing individuals with the opportunity to work in contemporary industries in job categories that contribute to the stimulation of economic development.

2. Commercialisation

The development of cities is significantly influenced by commercial activity and trade. The distribution of goods and services as well as commercial transactions in the modern era have led to the development of contemporary marketing institutions as well as methods of exchange, both of which have enormously contributed to the growth of towns and cities.

When commercialisation and trade occur, it is commonly believed that towns and cities provide superior commercial opportunities and returns when compared to rural areas.

3. Benefits and Services to the Community

Living in a city or town offers a variety of social advantages over living in a rural setting. Examples of this would be better educational facilities, better living standards, improved sanitation and housing, improved medical care, improved recreational facilities, and an overall improvement in quality of social life.

4. Employment Opportunities

People living in more rural areas are continually drawn to urban and suburban areas in search of employment opportunities that are superior to those available in their home communities.

Therefore, the majority of people frequently migrate into urban areas in order to access well-paying jobs. Urban areas have countless employment opportunities in all developmental sectors such as public health, education, transportation, sports and recreation, industries, and business enterprises. As a result, urban areas attract people from all over the world.

5. Adaptations to new ways of life brought about by modernisation

The process of urbanisation is significantly impacted by the modernisation that takes place. People believe they are able to live a happy life in cities because of the increased availability of enlightenment, liberalisation, medical facilities, dressing codes, enlightened communication, infrastructure, and other social amenities. Additionally, as urban areas become more tech savvy and have highly sophisticated communication.

The Impacts of Urbanisation

1. Some Advantages That Come With Urbanisation

If it is allowed to proceed within reasonable constraints, urbanisation can have a number of beneficial effects. The creation of employment opportunities, technological and infrastructure advancements, improved transportation and communication, quality educational and medical facilities, and improved standards of living are therefore some of the positive implications of urbanisation. Nevertheless, widespread urbanisation almost always brings about unfavourable effects.

2. Issues Regarding Housing

People are drawn to live in cities and towns as a result of urbanisation, which results in a significant rise in population. Because of the rise in the number of people who choose to make urban centres their permanent home, there is a persistent lack of available housing. This is because there is not enough expansion space for housing and public utilities, there is widespread poverty and unemployment, and building materials are extremely expensive and only a select few people are able to afford them.

3. An excessively crowded situation

When a large number of people are crammed into a limited amount of space, this is known as overcrowding. This form of congestion in urban areas is consistent as a result of overpopulation, and it is an aspect that continues to worsen day by day as more people and immigrants move into cities and towns in search of a better life. The majority of people living in rural or underdeveloped areas always have the desire to migrate into urban areas, which typically results in a concentration of people living in a relatively small space.

4. Unemployment

The number of unemployed people in urban areas is the highest it has ever been, and the number of educated unemployed people is even higher. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s young people who are without jobs reside in major metropolitan areas. And despite the fact that incomes are higher in urban areas, the high costs of living make the incomes appear to be appallingly low. The most significant factor contributing to unemployment in urban areas is the migration of people from more rural or developing areas to more urban settings.

Positive impact of Urbanisation

The following are some of the advantages of urbanisation:

  • Establishment of new opportunities for employment
  • Improvements in both technology and infrastructure have been made.
  • Increased efficiency in both modes of transportation and communication
  • Facilities of a high standard in both education and medicine
  • A general rise in the quality of life

Negative effect of Urbanization

The following are unfavourable consequences of urbanisation:

  • Housing shortages are a direct result of population growth.
  • Overcrowding
  • Unemployment
  • Growth of Slums as a Problem
  • Issues Regarding Water and Sanitation
  • Inadequate Health Care and the Rapid •Spread of Diseases
  • Congestion in the Traffic
  • Urban Crime

Conclusion

The movement of populations from rural to urban areas is what’s known as urbanisation, and it’s what makes it possible for cities and towns to expand. It is also possible to describe it as a steady rise in the number of people who choose to make their homes in towns and cities.Establishment of new opportunities for employment,Improvements in both technology and infrastructure have been made,Increased efficiency in both modes of transportation and communication, Facilities of a high standard in both education and medicine – are some of the positive impacts of Urbanization.Overcrowding,Unemployment,Growth of Slums as a Problem,Issues Regarding Water and Sanitation,Inadequate Health Care and the Rapid,Spread of Diseases,Congestion in the Traffic- are some of the negative effects of Urbanization.

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Write 4 Positive impacts of Urbanisation?

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What are the three driving forces behind urbanisation?

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What kind of repercussions does urbanisation have on the economy?

Answer. Urbanisation enables economies of scale and scope that are external, lowers the costs of transactions, and e...Read full

How does urbanisation affect culture?

Answer: The primary cultural implication of the urbanisation process relates to an increased understanding of the co...Read full