Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Migration, the movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling permanently or temporarily, is a defining feature of the 21st century. Coupled with rapid urbanization, particularly in developing nations, this phenomenon is reshaping demographic landscapes globally. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2018), 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050. Large cities, acting as magnets, consistently attract a disproportionately higher number of migrants compared to smaller towns, a trend deeply rooted in the socio-economic realities of developing countries.
Factors Attracting Migrants to Large Cities
Several interconnected factors contribute to the magnetic pull of large cities, especially in developing countries. These can be broadly categorized into economic, social, and infrastructural advantages.
Economic Opportunities
- Employment: Large cities typically offer a wider range and higher quantity of employment opportunities across diverse sectors – manufacturing, services, IT, finance – compared to smaller towns which often rely on agriculture or limited local industries.
- Higher Wages: Urban areas generally provide higher wages due to increased demand for labor and a more competitive job market.
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Cities foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship, with access to capital, markets, and networks.
Social Amenities and Services
- Education: Large cities boast a greater concentration of quality educational institutions – schools, colleges, universities – attracting families seeking better educational prospects for their children.
- Healthcare: Access to specialized healthcare facilities and medical professionals is significantly better in urban centers.
- Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: Cities offer a diverse range of cultural events, entertainment options, and recreational facilities, enhancing the quality of life.
Infrastructure and Governance
- Better Infrastructure: Cities generally have superior infrastructure – transportation networks (roads, railways, airports), communication systems, and utilities (water, electricity, sanitation) – facilitating economic activity and daily life.
- Governance & Administration: While challenges exist, larger cities often have more robust administrative structures and access to government services.
Contextualizing the Trend in Developing Countries
The attraction to large cities is amplified in developing countries due to specific conditions:
- Rural Poverty and Landlessness: Widespread poverty, lack of economic opportunities in rural areas, and landlessness push people to migrate in search of livelihoods.
- Agricultural Distress: Climate change, unpredictable rainfall, and lack of irrigation facilities contribute to agricultural distress, forcing rural populations to seek alternative income sources in cities.
- Limited Investment in Small Towns: Developing countries often prioritize investment in major cities, neglecting the development of smaller towns, leading to a disparity in opportunities.
- Weak Rural Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure in rural areas – roads, schools, healthcare – further exacerbates the push factors.
- Social Networks: Existing migrant networks in cities provide support and information to newcomers, facilitating migration.
Comparative Disadvantage of Smaller Towns: Smaller towns often lack the critical mass of economic activity, infrastructure, and social services to compete with large cities. They struggle to attract investment, retain skilled labor, and provide adequate opportunities for their residents.
| Feature | Large Cities (Developing Countries) | Smaller Towns (Developing Countries) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Opportunities | Diverse, abundant | Limited, primarily agriculture |
| Infrastructure | Relatively well-developed | Poorly developed |
| Education & Healthcare | High quality, accessible | Limited access, lower quality |
| Economic Growth | Rapid | Slow or stagnant |
Conclusion
The disproportionate attraction of large cities in developing countries is a complex phenomenon driven by a confluence of economic, social, and infrastructural factors. While cities offer opportunities, this influx of migrants often strains urban infrastructure and leads to challenges like overcrowding, slums, and environmental degradation. Addressing this requires a balanced regional development strategy that invests in smaller towns, improves rural livelihoods, and creates a more equitable distribution of opportunities, thereby reducing the pressure on already overburdened megacities.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.