Causes of Urbanization

Urbanization is the process of social change and under its impact in our country cities are coming up and their population is increasing everywhere and village life is experiencing changes. It has already posed serious challenges to many rural institutions and practices prevalent among the villagers in our country.

Causes of Urbanization 

1. Man’s Exploitation of Nature: “Cities grow wherever a society, or a group within it, gains control over resources greater than are necessary for the mere sustenance of life.”  In ancient times these resources were acquired through the subjugation of man by man. Slavery forced labor or taxation by the ruling or conquering class supplied the foundations of the growth of city life. In modern times man has won over nature and extended his power. He has exploited the natural resources to such a great extent through technological improvements that now relatively few people can supply the basic needs of many.
2. Industrialization: The process of industrialization introduced new techniques, and better commodities, and created townships. Urban growth has also been greatly stimulated by the new techniques of production associated with the industrial revolution. It was only after the advent of industrial commerce and production. Industries present the most dominant feature of all modern cities. The invention of machinery, the development of team power, and the application of huge capital industrial enterprises led to the establishment of gigantic manufacturing plants which brought about the mobility of immobile groups of workers tending their concentration around the factory area. For the sake of working with others and of high wages men abandoned rural work and steamed into the industrial cities.
3. Commercialization: There has been a change in the nature and extent of commercial interaction between people. Thus where industrialization has stimulated city growth, trade, and commerce also played an important part in urban expansion. In ancient civilization, two cities grew wherein goods were distributed and commercial transactions were carried. Thus Athens, Sparta, Venice, and Patliputra were great trading centers. In modern times, the developments of modern marketing institutions and methods of exchange have greatly contributed to the growth of cities. 
4. Development of Transport and Communications: The development in methods of transportation and communication and the facilities that cities offer for satisfying the desire for communication also explain urban growth. Industrialization depends upon transportation so that raw materials and manufactured goods can be carried in large volumes. In an industrial city, the means of transport and communication are essentially developed. The city is connected not only with other parts in and outside of the country but through the development means of local transportation the different parts of the city as well are connected to each other.
5. Better Opportunities Offered by the Cities: In fact, cities provide more opportunities for personal advancements in comparison to rural areas. Modern business and commerce pull young men to the cities where they are paid magnified salaries. Employment opportunities are more in the city than in the village. Even businessmen come to the city from the village to avail of better opportunities for making higher profits. As the standard of living in the country rises, there is an increasing demand for the kinds of commodities that are supplied in and by cities. This increased demand means that people can earn livelihood in a larger percentage in the cities. It is in the city that leaders, religious or educational, receive special and high recognition. The general conception of attaining higher status in the cities and employment of better amenities is leading to the expansion of cities and towns.
6. Facilities of Education and Amusement: In comparison to rural areas the elementary schools in a city are better equipped and training schools, colleges, and technical schools are urban. Most big libraries are situated in cities. Art galleries and museums are urban. Prominent educationists give their talks in cities. Naturally on account of all these facilities young men and young are attracted to the cities for higher education. Better recreational facilities are also available in the cities. Amusement theaters and operas are urban. By making appeals to the feeling and play impulses of children and adults alike they draw them to the cities.