Geo 103 class 11 notes

Definition of Cities

• Basic Definition: Cities are places where a large number of people live and work.

• Administrative Boundaries: Cities often have administrative boundaries, which vary significantly by country.

Definitions Across Countries

• Different countries define cities based on varied criteria:

  • Area: Some countries have a narrow definition (smaller area), while others are broader (larger area).

  • Population Requirements:

    • Example: In Sweden, a city can have as few as 200 people.

    • Example: In Japan, places with more than 30,000 people qualify as cities.

• Economic Base: Cities are often defined by their primary economic activities, favoring non-agricultural employment, like manufacturing and services.

Urban Influence and Metropolitan Areas

• Central Cities vs. Suburban Cities: Understanding cities requires examining their metros, where suburban cities interact economically with a central city (e.g., commuting patterns).

  • Example: Seoul, South Korea, influences surrounding cities like Incheon.

• Identity and Urban Influence: People often associate themselves with larger known cities (e.g., Buffalo) for identity, regardless of their actual smaller town residency.

Case Studies: Chongqing and Seoul

• Chongqing, China:

  • Population: Approximately 32 million.

  • Area: 82,000 square kilometers (comparable to South Korea).

  • Perception: Despite its size, it may resemble a rural area.

• Seoul, South Korea:

  • Population: 10 million.

  • Area: 605 square kilometers.

  • Importance of surrounding cities for economic activity and daily life.

Urbanization Rates and Economic Development

• General Pattern: More economically developed countries tend to experience higher urbanization rates due to shifts from agricultural to service and manufacturing economies.

• Exceptions: Some arid or sparsely populated regions may have higher urbanization rates.

Historical Context of Urbanization

• Origins: First cities emerged in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago, followed by others in Egypt, the Indus Valley, and more, primarily due to the Agricultural Revolution.

• Technology Influence: Adoption of iron tools improved agriculture, fostering new settlements.

• Transportation Developments: Enhanced maritime transportation enabled the establishment of cities around trade routes.

• Military Influence: Roman conquests led to the establishment of cities based on military posts.

• Capitalist Growth: Rise of capitalism in the 16th century nurtured port cities thriving on trade.

Industrial Revolution and Urban Population Growth

• Economic Shifts: Industrial cities expanded due to demand for workers and goods.

• Nineteenth Century Boom: Urban populations in Europe grew six times faster than the overall population, primarily in industrial centers like Manchester and Liverpool.

Urban Economic Structures

• Basic and Non-Basic Sectors: Urban economies have two segments:

  • Basic Sector: Industries that produce goods for export and drive income into the city (e.g., car factories).

  • Non-Basic Sector: Industries that serve local populations using money earned from the basic sector (e.g., restaurants, schools).

Urbanization Economies

• Definition: External economies occur when businesses cluster in larger cities, enhancing productivity and efficiency through shared resources.

• Example: Event organizers benefit from proximity to service providers in urban settings, lowering operational costs.

Urban Residential Patterns

• Residential Decisions: Accessibility to work is key; higher-income individuals may choose to live further away from work.

• Housing Demand Factors: Population size, household size, income levels, and future price expectations.

• Housing Supply Factors: New construction, regulations, and standards influence the number of available homes.

Suburbanization Trends and Issues

• Drive Out of Cities: Post-industrial city infrastructure congestion led to wealthier populations moving to suburbs, forming a bifurcated housing pattern.

• Post-WWII Growth: Suburban housing boomed due to government infrastructure, leading to a significant demographic shift toward suburban living.

Gentrification and Its Impacts

• Definition of Gentrification: Renewal of urban areas that often displaces existing low-income residents due to rising rents and property values.

• Demand Explanation: Changes in consumer preferences lead affluent individuals to city centers seeking unique lifestyles.

• Supply Explanation: Low property values in neglected areas attract investment, leading to renovations that raise rents.

• Consequences: Displacement of low-income families and challenges in urban renewal.

Problems in Contemporary US Cities

• Suburban Sprawl and Inner City Decline: Shifts in population and economic activity lead to dwindling urban resources and municipal tax bases.

• Metropolitan Fragmentation: Multiple city governments complicate collaboration on shared urban issues (like traffic).

• Urban Decay: Inner cities often suffer from economic downturns and lack of resources after wealth moves outwards due to suburbanization.