Consequences of Urbanisation
Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 2.3.3
Consequences of Urbanisation
There are different reasons for differences in urbanisation between countries, which have different consequences. Natural increase and rural to urban migration are the main causes of urbanisation in developing countries.
Economic consequences - developing countries
- If there aren't enough jobs to go around, then unemployment levels can end up being very high.
- Many people are employed in the informal sector and so often get made to work long hours for little pay in poor conditions.
- Not everyone has access to education so they can't acquire the skills necessary to move up the job ladder.
Social and economic consequences - developing countries
- Squatter settlements and shanty towns are common because of a lack of affordable housing.
- Poor health is common because the infrastructure for basic services (e.g. access to clean water) can't keep up with the population growth rate.
- Crime levels are often high.
Environmental consequences - developing world
- River habitats can be harmed if the water is contaminated by sewage or toxic chemicals.
- Waste disposal is often not efficient enough, leading to build-ups of rubbish.
- Traffic is often very bad.
Consequences - developed countries
- In most developed countries, the rate of urbanisation increased when they were developing nations.
- Urbanisation in developed countries today usually happens because migrants move to the area looking for jobs, or because someone already has a job in that city.
- Suburbanisation and counter-urbanisation actually see some middle class people leaving a city.
Test yourself on Consequences of Urbanisation
What are the two main reasons for urbanisation in developing countries?
What are the three main environmental consequences of urbanisation in the developing world?
Which of the following statements about urbanisation in developed countries are true?