Urban environments
Urban environments are with no doubt different from rural areas in several ways. Some of the characteristics of urban environments include modernization in terms of development which means that there is a high density of human structures such as roads and houses. These, among other factors associated with urban areas, is what makes them unique when compared to small towns and rural settings. The most significant factor associated with modern societies is the growth of great cities. An important thing to note when accessing the level of urbanization of a given place is the fact that the degree of urbanization is not measured by the total population but the by the level of development in the area.
Certain attributes are recognized to have played a significant role in making urban environments different from small towns. These differences can be discussed in reference to the sociological definition of a city which is “…is a relatively large, dense, and permanent settlement of heterogeneous individuals” (WIRTH 1). From this definition, it is clear that an urban environment is densely populated, unlike small towns which in most cases have a lower number of people living there. In addition, urban areas are characterized by permanent settlements. This is opposite to small towns as well as rural areas which only have temporary settlements constructed by unqualified people. Another attribute that makes urban environments different from small towns is the type of population. Urban areas comprise a heterogeneous population which means that individuals in this environment are of different characteristics. This is opposite of small towns which in most cases have one type of people hence having a homogeneous kind of population.
Since urban environments constitute of people from various diverse backgrounds, several cultures are represented in such areas. Due to this, human relations is an essential aspect in urban areas because people have to relate well with others to make their life better and easy to live. As quoted in the article titled “The American Journal of Sociology“, “Cities generally, and American cities, in particular, comprise a motley of peoples and cultures, of highly differentiated modes of life…” (WIRTH 20). Due to the heterogeneity of the population in urban settings, people ought to have the ability to relate well with others who are different in almost every aspect of life. Despite providing an opportunity to learn more about other cultures and their way of life, people are expected to mingle with each other on a common ground that is understandable to every individual in an urban environment. In summary, the attributes of urban environments shape both human relations and cultures by allowing for socialization and living as one group that has no differences.
When compared to other environments, cities have a larger degree of freedom. This means that people living in cities have a variety of things without many restrictions as it is the case in rural and other types of environments. This freedom can be attributed to the fact that due to different cultures in towns, people are not bound to any cultural restrictions. Cities have their own rules and regulations different from those in rural areas. Rural areas are more into the preservation of their culture, unlike in urban environments in which people are not restricted to any cultural rules. Due to interactions between different people in cities offers a certain level of freedom to an individual.
In conclusion, the growth of cities and the process of urbanization is one of the most impressive facts of modern times. Cities or urban environments are unique and different from other environments, mainly rural areas. This uniqueness is in terms of the type of population, the level of development as well as the level of freedom. Unlike rural areas which are made of a homogeneous population, urban areas are made of heterogeneous individuals with diverse backgrounds. The buildings are also unique in that they are permanent while roads are well constructed to ease the process of transportation. Moreover, urban environments are more prone to freedom than other settings.