Page 56 - ICSE GEOGRAPHY

breaking down social and cultural barriers. Housing Problems
Th ere is a place for everyone in urban society Urbanisation attracts people to cities and
and hence, people get integrated, and learn to towns. As a result, there is an increase in
live together.
the population which eventually leads to
New Markets overcrowding. With an increase in the
number of people living in urban centres,
Markets have always attracted people. As
a result of urbanisation, many modes of there is a continued scarcity of houses. Th is
marketing have opened up. Th e internet is due to the lack of public utilities, poverty,
has now become a space for new markets unemployment, costly building materials
worldwide. Anyone can sell in this market aff ordable only by a few individuals and
by posting advertisements on the web or insuffi cient space for housing.
creating their own websites from the comfort
of their homes.

Economic Improvement
As urbanisation is closely related to
industrialisation, it is also related to the
growth of the economy. Innovative and
successful industries earn valuable foreign
exchange for the country. People move to the
cities mostly because of job opportunities. As
more enterprises and organisations are being
established, more people can have jobs and Rise in population gives rise to unemployment.
the value added as a result also increases.
Unemployment

Th e problem of joblessness is the highest
Let’s Discuss
in urban areas and it is even higher among
What are some examples of recreational,
social or cultural activities that are found only educated people. It is estimated that more
in larger cities? What kind of recreational than half of the unemployed youths around
activities are there in villages? the globe live in metropolitan cities. Although
income in urban areas is high, the cost of
living makes the income seem very low. Th e
Negative Impact of Urbanisation increasing relocation of people from rural or

Although urbanisation has brought about developing areas to urban areas is the leading
cause of urban unemployment.
numerous positive impacts, it also has its
share of disadvantages. Th e nature and scale Development of Slums
of the impact, be it positive or negative, Th e cost of living in urban areas is very high.
varies depending on the level of development When this is combined with random and
of the country. Th e negative impacts of unexpected growth as well as unemployment,
urbanisation shall be discussed via the then there is a spread of unlawful settlements
economic, environmental, social and cultural represented by slums and squatters.
aspects.

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