Chapter 20 Chapter Summary

Urbanization is one of the most fundamental changes of the contemporary era. Until recently, this demographic, geographic, economic, cultural, and societal transformation, which was linked to industrialization, principally concerned developed countries. Since 2007, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and urbanization more and more extends to developing countries, where it is characterized by informal economic activities, densely populated poor neighbourhoods known as slums or favelas, and lack of infrastructure and services. In African, Asian, and some Latin American countries, we increasingly talk about the urbanization of poverty.

This chapter examined urbanization in relation to development. In the first part, it presented major trends and patterns of urbanization occurring in developing countries, and reviewed the main factors contributing to the growth of urban populations. The second part of the chapter looked at links between urbanization and development, while the third part discussed these challenges in greater depth, examining the deepening of economic and socio-spatial inequalities, with a focus on shelter. Finally, key actors in urban development and attempts to improve the living conditions of urban dwellers were considered.