Datta (1) defines urbanization as the transition from traditional rural economies to modern industrial ones, a process that takes place gradually over time. Urbanization has a worldwide influence and brings about both favorable and unfavorable consequences. Nevertheless, the advantages of urbanization outweigh the disadvantages. One benefit is the opportunity for discovering innovative and more efficient means of producing goods. Additionally, urbanization fosters technological advancements which in turn create more job opportunities.
Urbanization brings economic growth and shifts the focus towards services and technology, rather than agriculture. Unlike agriculture, which is seasonal, jobs in sectors such as tanneries are year-round and more reliable. Additionally, urbanization helps to break social and cultural barriers by fostering coexistence among people of diverse religions, cultures, and groups in cities. This leads to greater harmony and understanding between individuals from different ethnic backgrounds.
Although urbanization has its advantages, the negative consequences it brings outweigh them. The increase in open space and land preservation is not enough to balance out the consumption of land caused by decreased farmland due to improved productivity. For instance, when India underwent industrialization and urbanization under British rule, poverty, starvation, and overpopulation affected people all across the country. Furthermore, the establishment of a tannery in a small village displaced local shopkeepers and led to income loss (Hoosain 7). As a result, people tend to relocate to areas with better opportunities when jobs become available, leading to overcrowding and significant challenges for law enforcement as crime rates increase.
Due to the rise in corruption and crime, changes have been made to the law enforcement system. The turmoil is exacerbated by hunger and poverty, as depicted by the following quote: “‘Times are better, times are better,’ he shouts, ‘Times will not be better for many months. Meanwhile you will suffer and die, you meek, suffering fools.’” (Markandaya 47). Furthermore, there is a decrease in agricultural production due to a lack of workers opting for alternative employment. Personally, I believe that urbanization offers more benefits than drawbacks.
Urbanization facilitates the growth of job opportunities, empowering individuals to achieve their maximum potential. It also enhances convenience and pleasure in daily endeavors, contributing to the overall improvement of society. Through its elimination of arduous agricultural labor in harsh environments, urbanization enables individuals to participate in more gratifying and progressive pursuits.
Works Cited
Daheer, Aj. “Indian Take: India’s Role in the Industrial Revolution.” Np., 21 Nov. 2010. Web. 29 Sept. 2012.
Datta, Pranati. “Urbanisation in India.” Info Stat. N.p., 21 June 2006. Web. 29 Sept. 2012.
Faridi, Rashid. “Rashid’s Blog.” Rashid’s Blog. N.p., 4 Mar. 2012. Web. 29 Sept. 2012.
Hoosain, EMAUDDIN. “A Teacher’s Guide to the Edition of Nectar in a Sieve.” Penguin Putnam, Inc., 28 Sept. 1996. Web. 29 Sept. 2012.
Markandaya, Kamala. Nectar in a Sieve: A Novel. New York, Penguin Books USA, Inc., 1982. Print.
