Draft:Counterurbanization
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Counterurbanization is a demographic and social process in which people move from urban areas to rural areas. It is often considered the opposite of urbanization. Counterurbanization usually occurs when individuals or families leave large cities in search of a better quality of life, lower housing costs, less pollution, or more space. The process has been observed in several industrialized countries since the late 20th century.
Causes
[edit]Counterurbanization is driven by various economic, social, and environmental factors. High housing prices, traffic congestion, and pollution in large cities often encourage people to migrate to rural areas. Improvements in transport and communication technology also make it easier to live outside of cities while maintaining connections to urban jobs and services. In addition, lifestyle preferences, such as the desire for a safer environment or closer contact with nature, contribute to this phenomenon.
Effects
[edit]The process of counterurbanization affects both urban and rural areas. For cities, it may slow down population growth or even lead to population decline in some neighborhoods. For rural areas, it can stimulate economic development by attracting new residents and investments. However, counterurbanization may also cause challenges, such as rising property prices in the countryside and changes in local culture.
Examples
[edit]In the United Kingdom, counterurbanization became significant during the second half of the 20th century, when many families left London and other large cities for smaller towns and villages. In the United States, similar trends have been observed, with people moving from metropolitan areas to suburban or rural communities, especially since the 1970s. Other countries in Europe have also reported cases of counterurbanization.
References
[edit]- Champion, T. (1989). Counterurbanization: The Changing Pace and Nature of Population Deconcentration. Edward Arnold.
- Boyle, P., & Halfacree, K. (1998). Migration into Rural Areas: Theories and Issues. Wiley.
- Mitchell, C. (2004). "Making sense of counterurbanization". Journal of Rural Studies, 20(1), 15–34.