Why Large Cities Expand While Rural Areas Remain Steady
The modern human population grows at an unprecedented rate, a phenomenon that has led to significant changes in the way we live and work. Before the 1920s, city growth was largely driven by immigration, rather than natural population growth. Advances in medical knowledge and practices have drastically reduced mortality rates, which has contributed to population increase. However, the growth potential of country areas is limited by geography and political constraints.
Geographic and Political Barriers to Growth
Historically, cities have thrived beyond their own populations through immigration, but this is no longer the case. Today, cities and regions grow primarily due to natural population increases and economic incentives. Conversely, country areas face significant barriers to growth. Nations are bounded by political entities like the United Nations, and there is no unclaimed land on a large scale. This makes it difficult for country areas to expand.
Examples of Growing Country Areas
Despite the general trend of limited growth in rural areas, some regions are seeing significant development. For instance, Kalispell, Montana, and Twin Falls, Idaho, as well as small resort towns like Park City, Utah, and Bend, Oregon, have experienced rapid growth. These areas typically benefit from tourism, natural resources, and economic opportunities that attract both residents and businesses.
Economic Factors Driving Urbanization
The core reason cities continue to grow while rural areas remain static is economic. Cities offer a plethora of job opportunities, both in terms of variety and potential for higher wages. In contrast, rural areas, which often rely on agriculture, are facing a paradigm shift due to technological advancements. As technology has made agricultural work more efficient, fewer people are needed to produce the same amount of goods, leading to fewer jobs.
The Consumer-Driven Nature of Cities
Cities are fundamentally consumer-driven. The primary role of residents in urban areas is to consume the goods and services produced by the countryside, including food, raw materials, and other primary products. Cities then produce secondary and tertiary products, such as entertainment and services, which are often non-essential but provide a sense of productivity and engagement.
The Futility of City Life in Apocalyptic Scenarios
In apocalyptic or dystopian TV shows or movies, cities often serve as a symbol of vulnerability. This narrative reflects the reality that cities are heavily dependent on external systems and resources. A city without access to food, clean water, and shelter would be unsustainable. In contrast, rural areas, with their basic self-sufficiency, are more likely to weather such disasters.
Countries Are Developing Too
The idea that rural areas are not developing at all is a misconception. While urban areas have seen rapid development in the form of infrastructure, technology, and job creation, rural areas are evolving through agricultural improvements and technological advancements. The development here is just less visible and different in nature.
Conclusion
The ongoing expansion of large cities and the relatively stable state of rural areas can be explained by economic factors and changes in the job market. As technology advances, more people are needed in urban centers, driving their growth, while rural areas are becoming more efficient, requiring fewer inhabitants. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, urban planners, and residents alike to navigate the changing landscape of human settlement and economic activity.