URBANISATION

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URBANISATION

1. It is a process (E.E. Bergel, nd)


2. It is a process by which villages turn into towns and develop into cities (B.N.
Ghosh, nd)

URBANISM

It is a way or condition of life in urban areas.

THREE MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF URBANISATION (G.T. Trewartha, nd)

I. the level of urbanisation is defined as the proportion of total population, residing in


urban places

II. the urbanisation process denotes an increase in the fraction of population, which is
urban

III. the rate of urbanisation is the percent increase over a given period of time in
proportion to the total population living in urban communities

MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN URBANISATION

I. increasing ratio in urban population in total population


II. An increase in size and number of towns
III. A socio-economic transformation of villages into towns and towns into cities
IV. Migration of people from rural areas to urban areas to larger urban areas
V. Increase in share of working population engaged in non-agricultural activities
against the increase in working population engaged in agricultural activities

THE GROWING PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION IN CITIES IN THE WORLD

2010
51.6 percent lived in urban areas

2020
56.2 percent lived in urban areas

2045
The number of people living in cities will increase by 1.5 times to 6 billion, adding 2
billion more urban residents

Post-Modern Urban Geography: The post-modernism is believed to be


introduced in the discipline of geography by the work of Micheal Dear and
Ed Soja in the 1980s. This approach rejects science as the only valid way
to generate knowledge. ‘Post-modernism was a cultural-centric rejection
of the perceived sterility and anonymity of spatial analysis and the
overbearing nature of Marxist structuralism.

The Post-Modern Urban Geography approach focuses on the changes and


characteristics of urban environments that emerged in the late 20th century. This
perspective reflects the complexities and dynamics of contemporary cities, moving
away from the rigid structures of modernist urban planning.

Key Features of Post-Modern Urban Geography


● Dynamic Cities: Cities are seen as evolving entities, adapting to new social and
economic realities rather than adhering to traditional patterns of land use and
architecture1.
● Multiple Centers: Unlike modernist cities that often have a single central business
district, post-modern cities feature multiple centers with varied functions,
promoting diversity in urban experiences1.
● Architectural Variety: There is a departure from uniform architectural styles, with
buildings reflecting eclectic designs that incorporate historical and cultural
elements25.
● Focus on Services: The economy in post-modern urban areas is increasingly
dominated by service and knowledge-based industries, leading to a shift in urban
demographics as middle-income residents move back into city centers from
suburbs1.
● Gentrification and Redevelopment: Many post-modern cities undergo processes
of gentrification, where older neighborhoods are revitalized, often leading to
social displacement but also the creation of trendy living spaces12.
● Fragmentation: Urban spaces can be fragmented, characterized by mixed uses
and a lack of cohesive planning. This fragmentation often results in social
polarization and increased inequalities among different groups within the city12.
● Cultural Diversity: Post-modern urban areas tend to be more ethnically diverse,
reflecting global migration patterns, yet they also face challenges related to
social and economic disparities1.
This approach emphasizes the need for new frameworks in understanding urban
environments, recognizing that contemporary cities are complex systems influenced by
global trends, local histories, and diverse populations.

Urbanization is the process through which a growing number of people move from rural
areas to cities, leading to an increase in the population living in urban environments.
This shift results in cities expanding and becoming more densely populated.
Key points about urbanization include:
● Population Shift: Urbanization involves a significant movement of people from
countryside to city, resulting in a decrease in rural populations.
● City Growth: As more individuals settle in urban areas, cities grow larger and
more complex, often leading to changes in social, economic, and environmental
dynamics.
● Economic Factors: Urban areas typically offer more job opportunities, better
access to services, and improved living conditions compared to rural areas,
attracting people to migrate.
● Global Trends: Currently, over half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this
number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, especially in
developing regions like Africa and Asia.
Urbanization is closely linked to industrialization and modernization, which have
historically driven people towards cities for work and better living standards. However,
this rapid growth can also lead to challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, housing
shortages, and environmental issues.

Urbanism is the study of how people living in urban areas, such as cities and towns,
interact with their built environment. It encompasses various disciplines, including
urban planning and urban sociology, focusing on the design, management, and social
dynamics of urban life.

Key Aspects of Urbanism


● Interaction with Environment: Urbanism examines how residents engage with
their surroundings, including infrastructure, public spaces, and community
resources13.
● Urban Planning: A significant component of urbanism involves planning for the
physical layout and functionality of cities to enhance livability and
sustainability35.
● Cultural and Social Dynamics: It also explores the social relationships and
cultural practices that emerge in densely populated areas, reflecting the unique
lifestyle of city dwellers45.
● Theoretical Approaches: Various theories exist within urbanism that address
issues like walkability, mixed-use neighborhoods, and environmental
sustainability13.
Overall, urbanism provides insights into the complexities of urban life and helps inform
policies and practices aimed at improving city living.

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