Topic > Causes and effects of urbanization

Index IndustrializationSocial benefits and servicesModernization and changes in the way of lifeRural-urban transformationTechnological and infrastructural advancesHousing problemsSlum developmentTraffic congestionProvision of essential servicesUrbanization refers to an increase in population in cities compared to rural areas . It is the gradual increase in the percentage of people living in urban areas. There are many causes of urbanization; reasons that push people to move from rural areas to urban areas. These reasons include; industrialization, commercialization, social benefits and services, employment opportunities, modernization and changes in the way of life and rural-urban transformation. This movement of people from rural to rural areas has many effects, both positive and negative. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. However, there are more negative outcomes of urbanization than positive ones. Some of the positive effects include the creation of employment, technological and infrastructure opportunities. progress, better transportation and communications, quality educational and medical facilities and, ultimately, improved standards of living. However, extensive urbanization mainly results in negative effects such as; housing problems, overcrowding, unemployment, slum development, water and sanitation problems, ill health and spread of disease, traffic congestion and urban crime. However, such negative effects of urbanization can be addressed through interventions such as the provision of essential services in rural areas and the creation of jobs in such areas. Urbanization has many different definitions. Urbanization can refer to the process by which towns and cities form and become larger as more and more people begin to live and work in central areas. However, urbanization can also mean that it is the process by which more and more people leave the countryside to live in cities. The second meaning takes up the topic of the discussion and is the one that interests me a lot. There are many reasons that push people to move from countryside to urban areas. What exactly drives people to move from rural to urban areas and what are the results of such movements? These reasons for urbanization are so different as they vary from person to person depending on the different needs of the people.IndustrializationIndustrialization is a trend that represents a shift from the old agricultural economy to the non-agricultural economy, which creates a modernized society. Through the industrial revolution, more and more people were induced to move from rural to urban areas due to better job opportunities. Industrialization has increased job opportunities by giving people the chance to work in modern sectors in job categories that help stimulate economic development. Trade and commerce play an important role in urbanization. The distribution of goods and services and commercial transactions in the modern era have developed modern marketing institutions and methods of exchange which have greatly given rise to the growth of towns and cities. This stems from the perception that cities offer better business opportunities and returns than rural areas. Social Benefits and Services There are numerous social benefits attributed to living in cities and towns. The mentality that living in cities is accompanied by things like better educational facilities, better living standards, better sanitation and housing, better carehealthcare, better recreational facilities and a better life in general. For this reason, more and more people are driven to migrate to cities and towns to obtain a wide range of social benefits and services that are mostly unavailable in rural areas. Job Opportunities In cities and towns, there are ample job opportunities that continuously draw people from rural areas in search of better livelihood. Therefore, most people frequently migrate to urban areas to access well-paid jobs as urban areas have countless job opportunities in all development sectors such as public health, education, transportation, sports and business recreational, industrial and commercial enterprises. Services and industries generate and increase higher value-added jobs and this leads to greater job opportunities. Modernization and changes in the way of life Modernization plays a very important role in the urbanization process. As urban areas become more technology savvy along with highly sophisticated communications, medical infrastructure, dress codes, lighting, liberalization and availability of other social services, people believe they can lead happy lives in cities. In urban areas, people also accept changes in ways of living, namely residential habits, attitudes, clothing, food and beliefs. As a result, people migrate to cities and cities grow, absorbing more and more people day by day. Rural-Urban Transformation As localities become more fruitful and prosperous through mineral discovery, resource exploitation, or agricultural activities, cities begin to emerge while rural areas undergo urban transformation. Increasing productivity leads to economic growth and more value-added job opportunities. This entails the need to develop better infrastructure, better educational institutions, better healthcare facilities, better transport networks, the establishment of banking institutions, better governance and better housing. When this happens, rural communities begin to adopt urban culture and eventually become urban centers that continue to grow as more and more people travel to such places in search of a better life. Urbanization produces numerous positive effects if it occurs within appropriate limits. Some of the positive implications of urbanization therefore include; Creation of Job Opportunities The jobs created help the country to reduce the unemployment rate, thus increasing the gross domestic product of the country and improvement of the national income in general, thus better standards of living are felt within the country. Technological and Infrastructural Advances As people move into urban centers leading to an increase in commercial business requiring improvement in technology and other infrastructural services. For example, due to congestion in urban centers, the government is forced to improve the efficiency of roads, which makes the facilities much better. Improved transportation and communications This is due to the large population in urban areas, to relieve congestion the government develops many modes of transportation such as rail and airports. The improved living standards of jobs created in urban centers help many people to earn a living and thus experience a standard life. People reduce the dependency ratio as most of them earn salaries or bonuses which they use to meet their living needs. However, extensive urbanization mostly results in negative effects as below. Problems.