IGNOU MPS-003 Assignment Answers 2025: : India: Democracy and Development Solved Part 5
Question 9: Discuss the causes of over-urbanisation.
Answer: Over-urbanisation is a phenomenon where the growth of urban areas exceeds the capacity of cities to provide adequate infrastructure, employment, and social services. From a sociological perspective, over-urbanisation is not merely a demographic issue but a social problem that reflects the interplay of economic, cultural, and structural factors in society. It is particularly prominent in developing countries like India, where rapid urban growth has often outpaced planning and resource allocation, leading to slums, unemployment, inadequate housing, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation.
Understanding Over-Urbanisation
Sociologically, over-urbanisation occurs when urban population increases faster than the ability of cities to accommodate them in terms of employment opportunities, housing, sanitation, education, and transportation. This condition is often measured by comparing the rate of urban population growth with the rate of economic development and the expansion of urban infrastructure. It is closely linked to rural-urban migration, industrialization, and uneven regional development.
Causes of Over-Urbanisation
- Rural-to-Urban Migration
One of the primary causes of over-urbanisation is the mass migration of people from rural areas to cities. Sociologically, this migration is driven by a combination of “push” and “pull” factors:
- Push Factors: Poverty, unemployment, low agricultural productivity, lack of basic amenities, and social inequalities in rural areas compel people to leave.
- Pull Factors: Cities promise better employment opportunities, higher wages, improved education, healthcare, and the perception of a modern lifestyle.
However, when migrants outnumber the capacity of urban economies and infrastructure, overcrowding and informal settlements emerge.
- Uneven Economic Development
Economic development in many countries is spatially uneven, with industrial and service sectors concentrated in urban areas. This concentration creates regional disparities, attracting rural populations to cities for better opportunities. In India, cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru serve as hubs for finance, IT, and manufacturing, drawing migrants from less developed rural regions. Sociologically, this highlights how structural inequalities and regional imbalances contribute to over-urbanisation. - Industrialization and Employment Opportunities
Industrial growth often occurs in urban centers due to access to infrastructure, markets, and skilled labor. Industries attract both skilled and unskilled workers from surrounding regions. When urban growth is faster than industrial capacity, it results in high unemployment or underemployment in informal sectors, contributing to over-urbanisation. - Modernization and Cultural Aspirations
Urban areas are often associated with modern lifestyles, education, and social mobility. Sociologically, rural populations are influenced by cultural aspirations and social expectations, perceiving urban life as a symbol of progress. Media, education, and communication technologies amplify this perception, encouraging rural youth to migrate to cities even when rural employment is available. - Inadequate Urban Planning and Governance
Over-urbanisation is exacerbated by poor urban planning and lack of governance. Many cities fail to provide sufficient housing, transport, sanitation, and healthcare facilities. Weak municipal management, inadequate investment in infrastructure, and fragmented urban policies lead to informal settlements and slums, further intensifying urban problems. - Population Growth
High population growth in developing countries adds pressure to urban areas. When rural populations increase rapidly, migration to cities becomes a common strategy for survival and economic advancement, increasing the pace of over-urbanisation. - Agricultural Distress and Landlessness
Structural issues in rural agrarian economies, such as small landholdings, indebtedness, and failure of agricultural modernization, push rural populations to cities. Landless laborers and marginal farmers often see migration as the only way to secure livelihoods.
Sociological Implications
Over-urbanisation has multiple social consequences. It leads to slums and informal settlements, rising unemployment, inadequate social services, environmental pollution, and social tensions. It also affects family structures, social mobility, and community cohesion, as traditional rural networks are disrupted in urban environments. Sociologically, over-urbanisation highlights structural inequalities, class disparities, and the social consequences of unplanned development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, over-urbanisation is caused by a combination of rural push factors, urban pull factors, structural inequalities, population pressures, and inadequate governance. It is a sociological phenomenon that reflects the interaction between economic structures, social aspirations, and demographic dynamics. Addressing over-urbanisation requires not only improving urban infrastructure but also promoting balanced regional development, enhancing rural livelihoods, and planning sustainable urban growth. Understanding its causes sociologically helps policymakers recognize the social dimensions of urban problems and design inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban policies.
Question 10: Write short notes on the following in about 250 words a) Internal Migration
Answer: Internal migration refers to the movement of people within the boundaries of a country, from one region, state, or locality to another, usually for economic, social, or environmental reasons. Unlike international migration, internal migration does not involve crossing national borders but has significant social, economic, and demographic implications.
Types of Internal Migration
Sociologists classify internal migration into several types:
- Rural-to-Urban Migration: Movement from villages to cities in search of employment, better living standards, education, and healthcare. This is the most common form in developing countries like India.
- Urban-to-Urban Migration: People moving from smaller towns to larger cities, often for better job opportunities or professional growth.
- Rural-to-Rural Migration: Seasonal or permanent movement within rural areas, often related to agriculture or land use.
- Urban-to-Rural Migration: Less common, but occurs when people return to villages due to retirement, lifestyle choices, or urban crises.
Causes of Internal Migration
- Economic Factors: Lack of employment, low wages, or underemployment in rural areas push people toward urban centers.
- Social Factors: Education, marriage, family reunification, and access to healthcare drive movement.
- Environmental Factors: Natural disasters, droughts, or soil degradation force migration.
- Political Factors: Regional conflicts or government policies sometimes influence migration patterns.
Sociological Implications
Internal migration affects both sending and receiving regions. It can lead to urbanization, changes in family structures, social mobility, and cultural exchange, but may also cause overcrowding, unemployment, strain on infrastructure, and social tension. From a sociological perspective, internal migration reflects the dynamic relationship between society, economy, and human aspirations, highlighting how structural inequalities and regional disparities influence population movement.
Question 10: Write short notes on the following in about 250 words. b) Sustainable Development
Answer: Sustainable development refers to a model of growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the balance between economic progress, social well-being, and environmental protection, recognizing that development is not merely about material growth but also about maintaining ecological and social sustainability.
Key Principles
- Intergenerational Equity: Resources and opportunities should be preserved for future generations.
- Integration of Social, Economic, and Environmental Goals: Sustainable development requires a holistic approach, ensuring that economic activities do not harm the environment or exacerbate social inequalities.
- Participation and Inclusion: Communities, especially marginalized groups, should have a voice in development decisions, ensuring equity and social justice.
Sociological Significance
From a sociological perspective, sustainable development goes beyond economics and incorporates social structures, cultural values, and human behavior. It stresses the responsibility of society to manage natural resources wisely, reduce poverty, and promote equitable access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods. Sustainable development also encourages community-based initiatives and local governance, fostering social cohesion and collective action.
Challenges
Rapid industrialization, urbanization, overconsumption, and environmental degradation threaten sustainability. Sociologists study how inequalities, social norms, and cultural practices influence consumption patterns and environmental impact, highlighting the interplay between society, economy, and ecology.
Conclusion
Sustainable development is not just an economic goal but a social imperative. It emphasizes responsible growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Sociologically, it represents the integration of human needs, societal values, and ecological balance, guiding policies and practices toward a more equitable and enduring future.
Explain the concept of development and its relationship with democracy.
Analyse the functioning of the federal system in India.
Elaborate on the Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalization (LPG) policies.
Elaborate upon the evolution of peasant movements in India.
Write short notes on the following in about 250 words. A) The Telangana Peasant Rebellion
Write short notes on the following in about 250 words. B) Political participation
Explain the behavioralist concept of political participation.
Explain the nature of regionalism in India.
Examine the Basic Minimum Needs approach to human development.
Discuss the causes of over-urbanisation.
Write short notes on the following in about 250 words a) Internal Migration
Write short notes on the following in about 250 words. b) Sustainable Development
IGNOU MPS-003 Assignment Answers 2025: : India: Democracy and Development Solved Part 5