Urbanisation and Development: Understanding Complex TheoriesAs the world’s population continues to grow, cities are rapidly expanding, and rural areas are transforming into urban landscapes. Urbanisation and its related effects on social, economic and environmental systems have become a central topic for academic research and development planning.
Understanding the complexities of urbanisation and development requires a critical appreciation of various theories that underpin different perspectives. This article explores key theories that have shaped development discourse, including modernisation theory, dependency theory, problems associated with rapid urbanisation, and the positives of ‘slum living.’ Additionally, it examines Sustainable Development Goal number 11, which aims to improve the quality of urban life.
Modernisation Theory
Modernisation theory is a development theory that emerged in the mid-twentieth century. It suggests that societies evolve from traditional to modern forms, resulting in economic growth, social change and collectivism.
According to modernisation theory, economic growth is necessary for development, and modernisation requires industrialisation and technological advancement. The theory emphasises the importance of individualism and democracy, necessary for the growth of neoliberalism.
However, modernisation theory has faced criticism for ignoring the historical and contextual realities of developing countries. Such a homogeneous understanding fails to account for the diverse social, political and economic contexts of different societies.
Moreover, modernisation theory does not account for gender or patriarchy in development. The traditional structures of patriarchy, which were common in underdeveloped societies, were reinforced by modernisation.
These ‘modernisation patriarchies’ established as part of the modernisation process, further reinforced gender inequalities within societies.
Dependency Theory
Dependency theory is another development theory that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The theory aims to explain the interactions between developed countries and underdeveloped countries.
Dependency theory proposes that the global economic system perpetuates poverty in poorer countries. It suggests that the global economic system relies on the exploitation of poorer countries by richer countries, primarily in the form of colonialism, imperialism and trade inequalities.
Dependency theorists argue that global cities are essential to the perpetuation of poverty in poorer countries. Global cities control key economic, political and cultural functions, and as a result, the urban poor face significant disadvantages.
Individuals are prone to exploitation, live in sub-standard housing, face food insecurity, and lack access to adequate healthcare and education. Dependency theory suggests that revolution is the only solution to break the cycles of dependence and poverty in underdeveloped countries.
Dependency theorists do, however, face criticism for overlooking the positive effects of foreign investment, international trade and globalization in development outcomes.
Problems associated with rapid urbanisation
Despite various benefits of urbanisation, there are significant challenges associated with rapid urbanisation, especially in developing countries. One popular problem is overcrowding, where people live in dense and unsanitary conditions, leading to health problems.
Rapid urbanisation is often accompanied by a lack of basic infrastructure, such as water and sanitation systems, waste management facilities and electricity grids. The urban poor are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of inadequate infrastructure, which can lead to housing insecurities and widespread poverty and violence.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the negative consequences of inadequate health infrastructure in cities. The pandemic has also led to economic losses, particularly in informal employment, which supports much of the urban poor.
Positives of ‘slum living
Contrary to popular belief, slum living can provide many benefits to urban dwellers. Many slum residents in developing countries operate as informal service providers, who fill the gap in public services not provided by the state.
These services range from transportation, food stalls, tailoring, and other forms of micro-enterprises. Researchers have also shown that innovation thrives in slum environments.
Local communities often come up with home-grown technology and innovative ways of solving problems. Therefore, policymakers should recognize these strengths and engage with slum communities as partners in urban planning.
Sustainable Development Goal Number 11
The Sustainable Development Goal number 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This SDG goal responds to the challenges of rapid urbanisation and its negative consequences by promoting sustainable development in urban areas.
Improving the quality of urban Life
Improving the quality of urban life is a central aim of Sustainable Development Goal number 11. Sustainable cities and communities require an integrated approach to development that addresses the economic, social and environmental aspects of urban living.
The SDG aims to ensure access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation, affordable housing, healthcare and transportation. To achieve this, local governments must prioritize sustainable urban planning, with the involvement of urban communities.
There is a need for improved public and private investment in infrastructure and access to green and open spaces, which contribute significantly to the quality of life in urban areas.
Conclusion:
Urbanisation and development are complex phenomena requiring a nuanced understanding of the interplay between economic and social factors. This article explored various theories and concepts relevant to urbanisation and development, including modernisation theory, dependency theory, problems associated with rapid urbanisation, and the positives of slum living.
It further examined Sustainable Development Goal number 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. To achieve these goals, policymakers must adopt a holistic approach to urban development, which includes investment in infrastructure, access to green spaces and public participation in urban planning.
How Cities Can Promote Development
Cities play a crucial role in driving economic growth, promoting cultural and social change, and providing access to essential services such as healthcare and education. This article explores these three subtopics in detail, discussing various measures cities can take to promote development.
Economic Growth
Economic growth is critical to promoting development, reducing poverty and improving living standards. Cities are centres of economic activity, and urbanisation plays a vital role in driving economic growth.
The rise of industrial-capitalists and factories during the Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities, and this trend continues today. Cities provide jobs, trade, and investment opportunities and drive innovation, research and development.
Furthermore, cities can provide industrial infrastructure, such as power, transportation and communication systems that drive economic activity. To promote economic growth in cities, it is necessary to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Cities can do this by providing incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, to encourage business investment. Furthermore, cities can invest in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and ports, to increase the accessibility of the city to outside investors, markets and suppliers.
The establishment of industrial parks, which provide concentrated spaces for industries to operate, can further facilitate investment attraction. City planners and policymakers can also encourage investment in labour-intensive sectors by setting minimum wage requirements and providing training and skills development programmes.
Strong labour laws can also help promote economic growth by protecting workers’ rights, preventing exploitation and ensuring that wages are fair and reasonable.
Cultural and Social Change
Cities are drivers of cultural and social change. As cities grow, they tend to create a middle class, which can bring about significant social and cultural changes.
The middle class is the primary driver of social and cultural change and can promote values such as democracy and collectivism. With the rise of modernisation theory in the mid-twentieth century, urbanisation has often been associated with the erosion of traditional values, including patriarchy.
However, as discussed earlier, modernisation theory failed to appreciate the complex way in which gender and patriarchy interact with other aspects of development. Cities need to be aware of the gendered nature of development, acknowledging the role of patriarchy and its impact on women and girls.
To promote cultural and social change, cities need to foster access to education and promote critical thinking. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge in schools and universities but also includes access to lifelong learning opportunities.
Additionally, urban policies should focus on tackling issues of inequality and promoting inclusive development.
Healthcare and Education
Cities face many challenges in providing adequate healthcare and education to their residents, especially when faced with dense populations and rural areas. Health is critical to promoting development, and cities need to invest in healthcare infrastructure to provide access to high-quality facilities and healthcare professionals.
Urbanisation can lead to increased exposure to pollution and environmental health hazards, and it is essential for cities to implement measures to protect their citizens’ health. Green spaces, such as parks and urban forests, can improve air quality, regulate temperatures and reduce noise pollution.
Additionally, cities can promote healthy lifestyles by investing in facilities that encourage physical activity, such as gyms and cycle lanes, while reducing unhealthy practices such as smoking and poor dietary habits. City planners and policymakers should also focus on improving education and skill levels to ensure that their citizens have access to high-quality education, including early childhood education, primary, secondary and tertiary education.
Cities can provide economic incentives to invest in education and promote entrepreneurship, which is reliant on a well-educated workforce. As technology continues to advance, cities need to adapt and provide opportunities for residents to learn new skills and access education that promotes lifelong learning.
Conclusion
Cities play a crucial role in promoting development, driving economic growth, culture and social change, as well as promoting access to healthcare and education. This article has highlighted the importance of each of these subtopics, and the essential measures that cities can take to promote each one.
To achieve these goals, cities need to adopt a multi-stakeholder approach that involves strong public-private partnerships, citizen engagement, and collaboration among different sectors. By doing this, cities can build more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous societies that benefit all their residents.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have explored the complexities of urbanisation and development, including various theories that underpin different perspectives. We have discussed Sustainable Development Goal number 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and how cities can promote development through economic growth, cultural and social change, and access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The key takeaway is that cities play a significant role in promoting development, and by adopting a multi-stakeholder approach that involves strong public-private partnerships, citizen engagement, and collaboration among different sectors, they can build more sustainable and prosperous societies that benefit all their residents. FAQs:
Q: What are the key challenges associated with rapid urbanisation?
A: Rapid urbanisation is often accompanied by problems such as overcrowding, lack of basic infrastructure, and the spread of diseases. Q: How can cities promote economic growth?
A: Cities can promote economic growth by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This can be achieved through the provision of incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, and investment in infrastructure.
Q: Why is education critical to promoting development? A: Education is essential to promoting development because it provides access to opportunities, promotes critical thinking and drives innovation.
Q: What is Sustainable Development Goal number 11? A: Sustainable Development Goal number 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Q: Can slum living have any positive outcomes? A: Yes, slum living can provide many benefits to urban dwellers, including local innovation and the emergence of home-grown technology.
Q: Why is healthcare crucial to promoting development? A: Healthcare is critical to promoting development because it is essential for maintaining a healthy population and enabling people to work and achieve their potential.