Understanding Urbanisation and Urban Change
Urbanisation is simply the process where more people move from countryside areas to towns and cities. This trend is accelerating globally, with the highest levels found in HICs (High Income Countries), whilst LICs and NEEs are experiencing rapid urban growth due to cheaper labour costs.
The movement doesn't stop there though. Suburbanisation occurs when wealthy middle-class families move from city centres to the outskirts, often creating pockets of segregation. Counter-urbanisation sees people leaving urban areas entirely for rural locations, usually due to wealth, retirement, or lifestyle choices.
Deindustrialisation has massively impacted Western cities as manufacturing moved to countries with cheaper labour. This left many urban areas struggling, making urban regeneration a government priority. Key policies include Urban Development Corporations , Enterprise Zones (1981), and government grants (1982) to attract business investment.
The rise of the service industry has replaced manufacturing as the dominant economic force in many cities. Meanwhile, megacities (over 10 million people) now drive global economies through their political and economic influence.
Quick Fact: By 2025, there will be 34 megacities worldwide, each contributing significantly to national and regional economies.
