Lecture on Urbanization

Definition of Urbanization

• Movement of people from rural areas to urban areas.

Differences between Rural and Urban Areas

• Rural Areas:
  • Fewer than 1,000 people per square mile.
  • Settlements with less than 2,500 residents.
• Urban Areas:
  • Cities with at least 1,000 people per square mile.
  • Various levels based on population:
    • Cities: 50,000+ people.
    • Metropolises: 500,000+ people.
    • Megalopolis/Mega City: Multiple metropolises connected.
    • Example: The stretch from Boston to Washington D.C. (~44 million people).

Theories About Urbanization

• Functionalist Perspective:
  • Cities have important functions and dysfunctions.
  • Promote culture and diversity but also host crime.
• Conflict Theory:
  • Cities highlight inequality.
  • Entertainment centers for the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
  • Increase conflict over beliefs and values.
• Symbolic Interactionism:
  • Cities offer unique cultural values and diverse interactions.
  • Promote new ways of life and strong norms.

Reasons for Urbanization

• Began during the Industrial Revolution:
  • Technological advancements reduced farm jobs.
  • People moved to cities for work and housing.
• Modern Motivations:
  • More job opportunities and better utilities.
  • Improved education and transportation, faster medical access.
  • Insufficient land for farming due to population growth.

Effects of Urbanization

• Positive Effects:
  • Cultural diversity and amenities.
• Negative Effects:
  • Crowding and loss of close community connections.
• Formation of sub-communities:
  • Groups like cosmopolites, singles, deprived and trapped, ethnic villages.
  • Ethnic villages: Groups like Chinatown, Little Italy.
  • Creation of urban villages to enhance community interaction.

Suburbanization

• Movement from cities to fringes for personal homes (yards, fences).
• Edge Cities:
  • Suburbs turning into economic centers (e.g., Silicon Valley).
• Problems like urban decline:
  • Unplanned sprawl (e.g., Atlanta).
  • Disrepair, abandonment, crime as people move out.
• Exurbs:
  • Prosperous areas beyond suburbs.
  • People commute to the city for work.

Urban Renewal and Gentrification

• Redevelopment of older city areas.
  • Target wealthier communities, increasing property values.
  • Original residents often displaced due to rising costs.

Rural Rebound

• Movement from cities back to rural areas.
  • People seeking simpler, slower life.
  • Usually near urban centers for convenience.
  • Scenic rural areas are also attractive.

Conclusion

• Urbanization impacts both people and urban development.
• Influences community formation, economic centers, and social dynamics.