Untitled Deck Flashcards
(101 cards)
What is meant by the term ‘urbanization’?
Urbanization refers to the increasing proportion of a population living in urban areas, as opposed to rural areas.
How has the global pattern of urbanization changed in recent decades?
There has been a rapid increase in urbanization, particularly in developing countries, with more than half of the world’s population now living in urban areas.
What is the difference between urban growth and urban sprawl?
Urban growth refers to the increase in the population of urban areas, while urban sprawl is the expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.
How do push and pull factors influence urbanization?
Push factors, such as poor economic opportunities in rural areas, drive people to cities, while pull factors, such as better job prospects and improved living conditions, attract people to urban areas.
What role do cities play in global economic development?
Cities are hubs for economic activity, innovation, and trade, driving growth and development at the global level.
Explain how rural-urban migration contributes to urbanization.
Rural-urban migration occurs when people move from rural areas to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, education, healthcare, and living conditions.
How do political, economic, and social factors contribute to the growth of cities?
Political factors (such as government policies), economic factors (such as job availability), and social factors (such as better healthcare and education) all make cities more attractive to migrants.
What are megacities? Provide examples.
Megacities are urban areas with a population of over 10 million people. Examples include Tokyo, New York City, and Mumbai.
What are the key characteristics of the world’s largest urban areas?
The world’s largest urban areas tend to have high population densities, economic power, and significant cultural, political, and financial influence.
How do migration and population growth influence urbanization in developing countries?
Migration from rural to urban areas, combined with high natural population growth, accelerates the urbanization process in developing countries.
What are the main causes of rural depopulation in areas undergoing urbanization?
Rural depopulation is often caused by the migration of young people to cities in search of better job opportunities, as well as the decline of agricultural industries.
How does urbanization impact the environment?
Urbanization leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and increased energy consumption, which can contribute to climate change.
What are the effects of urbanization on infrastructure and services?
Urbanization places pressure on infrastructure, leading to traffic congestion, inadequate housing, strained healthcare and education systems, and pollution.
What is counter-urbanization, and why has it occurred in some areas?
Counter-urbanization is the movement of people from cities to rural areas. It has occurred due to factors like high cost of living in cities, improved transport links, and a desire for a better quality of life.
How does the process of reurbanization work?
Reurbanization is the process of people moving back into city centers after periods of suburbanization, often driven by urban regeneration projects.
Define suburbanization and its impact on urban areas.
Suburbanization is the outward expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land, leading to the development of suburbs. It can relieve pressure on city centers but also contributes to urban sprawl.
What factors lead to the development of edge cities?
Edge cities develop when suburban areas grow into self-sustaining urban centers, often due to economic shifts, improved transportation, and the decentralization of business and retail.
How do cities influence regional and global networks?
Cities are centers of economic activity, trade, and culture that connect regional and global networks, facilitating the flow of goods, services, and ideas.
How do global cities differ from other urban centers?
Global cities, such as London and New York, are economic and political hubs with significant global influence, often serving as centers of finance, culture, and innovation.
What role do transportation systems play in shaping urbanization?
Efficient transportation systems make it easier for people to move to cities and commute within them, facilitating urban growth and expansion.
What are the key social challenges faced by urban areas?
Social challenges include poverty, inequality, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, social segregation, and poor access to education and healthcare.
How does urban poverty manifest in contemporary cities?
Urban poverty is often seen in the form of informal settlements, unemployment, inadequate access to services, and social exclusion.
What is social segregation, and how does it occur in urban areas?
Social segregation refers to the separation of different social groups within urban areas, often based on income, ethnicity, or housing. It occurs due to factors like inequality, gentrification, and poor urban planning.
How does the housing market contribute to inequality in cities?
High demand and low supply of affordable housing drive up prices, making it difficult for low-income groups to access decent housing, leading to inequality.