1. Urbanization Laboni Molla SSO 102
My topics is on urbanization in America

2. Definition of Urbanization
1. An increase in a population in cities and towns versus rural areas.
2. Occurs when a large amount of people migrate from a rural area to an urban community.
There are a few definitions for the word urbanization. For one it can mean, there is an increase in a population in cities and towns versus rural areas. Also it occurs when a large amount of people migrate from the rural community to a urban community.

3. Urbanization in America
Early United States was considered to be rural census says that 95% of the population lived in rural areas. - 5% lived in urban areas
Only Philadelphia, New York, and Boston had more than 15,000 people.
1830’s urban areas grew. -35 % of Americans lived in cities. ( Northern) - South remained rural except, New Orleans.
The early united states of America was mostly rural. According to the 1790 census95 percent of the population lived in the country side. While the rest 5 percent lived in an urban area. At the time an urban area meant any place that had more than 2,500 people. Only Philadelphia, New York, and Boston had more than 15,000 people. And the south was completely rural. After 1890 and industrialization 35 percent of americans lived in cities but they were mostly in the north.

4. Causes of Urbanization (Pull Factors)
Large cities and town are considered to do well economically, socially, and politically when compared to rural areas.
People move to the city for better education, health care, sanitation, housing, job opportunities, and transportation
Main Causes:
Industrialization
Commercialization
Benefits and Services
Employment
Modernization

5. Industrialization
Industrial Revolution- (18th- 19th centuries) Rural areas became urban due to a shift from hand labor or simple machines to complex machinery, mass production and factories. This brought a high demand for workers.
Iron Industry- Abraham Darby and Henry Bessemer used coke- fueled to produce large amounts of steel and iron which was then used to make machines, ships, infrastructure and buildings. This allowed for more people to live in urban areas.
The industrial revolutions that took place from the 18th century to the 19th century was one aspect of urbanization. At the time hand labor was popular, but with the creation of complex machinery, mass production and factories became to exist. In addition, the iron industry was important too. Abraham Darby and Henry Bessemer at this time, created steel and iron in order to make machines, ships, infrastructure and buildings which also used more people to the city.

6. Commercialization
Trade is crucial to urbanization. The exchange of goods and marketing has created and added to the growth of towns and cities. This is because people tend to perceive that large cities are better for commercial opportunities rather than rural areas.

7. Social Benefits and Services
People are likely to move from rural areas to cities since urban areas tend to have better services which include: better educational facilities, better living standards, better healthcare, better sanitation, and a better social life.
The convenience of goods and services is one of the benefits of urbanization. There is access to more educational and medical services, which allows increased literacy and better health. There is also less use of personal vehicles and more availability of public transportation. There is more social integration in urbanized areas. People of different religions, ethnic backgrounds, social classes and races reside in the same area. This leads to more understanding and acceptance of differences. Another benefit of urbanization is the possibility of greater earning potential because of the availability of more jobs.

9. Employment
In a rural environment, there are less job opportunities. Farming is a common income in a rural area but can fluctuate depending on environmental factors. People choose to move to the city due to the large amount of job opportunities that pay well. Industries in the city provide jobs in different fields such as: education, public health, business, sports, industry and many more.

10. Positive Effects of Urbanization
Employment opportunities
Technological and infrastructural advancements
Improved transportation and communication
Better education
Medical facilities
Improved standards of living.

11. Cons of Urbanization
Housing problems- with an increase in the number of people who live in an urban area, the more difficult it is to get a house.
Overcrowding- as more immigrant move into an area, the more congested the space becomes and the harder it is for an individual to get a job in the area.
Urbanization attracts people to cities and towns which lead to high population increase. With the increase in the number of people living in urban centers, there is continued scarcity of houses. This is due to insufficient expansion space for housing and public utilities, poverty, unemployment, and costly building materials which can only be afforded by few individuals

12. Cons of Urbanization continued
3. Unemployment- the cost of living in an urban community is incredibly high. It is also difficult to get a job in metropolitan cities even if you are an educated youth. You are up against other educated individuals when applying for jobs.
4. Water and Sanitation problems- with overpopulation, often times the sewage facilities tend to be inadequate.
5. Spread of disease- If an area becomes congested enough, a slum can be created. Slums areas have poor sanitation and poor water supply, and so disease is more common. Possible health problems include: asthma, food poisoning, and premature deaths.
The problem of joblessness is highest in urban areas and it is even higher among the educated people. It is estimated that more than half of unemployed youths around the globe live in metropolitan cities. And, as much as income in urban areas is high, the costs of living make the incomes to seem horribly low. The increasing relocation of people from rural or developing areas to urban areas is the leading cause of urban unemployment.

13. Solutions for Urbanization
Governments should advocate for the use of green infrastructure recycling, campaign for environment, water recycling, green public transportation, and renewable energy.
Governments should pass laws that plan and provide environmentally sound cities and smart growth techniques, considering that people should not reside in unsafe and polluted areas. The objective here is to build sustainable cities that embrace improved environmental conditions and safe habitats for all urban populations. Governments should also encourage sustainable use of urban resources and support an economy based on sustainable environment such as investment in green infrastructure, sustainable industries, recycling and environmental campaigns, pollution management, renewable energy, green public transportation, and water recycling and reclamation.

14. Solutions for Urbanization
2. Provide the entire population services such as education, health, sanitation and clean water.
3. Population Control- find ways to reduce the extremely high rate of population growth. As of now the population of the world is growing at a rate of 1.09% per year. That is about 83 million people per year.
Urban stakeholders must ensure all populations within the urban areas have access to adequate essential social services namely education, health, sanitation and clean water, technology, electricity, and food. The objective here is to provide and implement employment opportunities and wealth creation activities so that people can earn a living to pay for the maintenance of the services. Subsidies can also be availed by the government to lower the costs of basic healthcare, basic education, energy, education, public transportation, communication systems and technology.

15. Sources