Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
1. Large cities offer larger
Large cities offer larger, diversified labour markets spanning formal and informal sectors, attracting migrants of varied skills.
2. Agglomeration economies concentrate industry
Agglomeration economies concentrate industry, services, education and healthcare in metros, unlike small towns with limited economic bases.
3. Higher urban-rural wage differentials in big
Higher urban-rural wage differentials in big cities strengthen the pull factor under the push-pull model of migration.
4. Better physical infrastructure and connectivity make
Better physical infrastructure and connectivity make large cities more accessible and liveable for migrants.
5. Network effects and chain migration: settled
Network effects and chain migration: settled migrant communities in metros lower information and settlement costs for newcomers.
6. Cities promise social mobility
Cities promise social mobility, education and anonymity from caste-community constraints, aspirations small towns cannot fulfil.
7. In developing countries
In developing countries, rural distress, land fragmentation and climate shocks push migrants directly to metros, bypassing small towns.
8. Concentrated
Concentrated, metro-centric development policies leave smaller towns underdeveloped, reinforcing their weak attraction.
9. Resulting overcrowding
Resulting overcrowding, slums and informalisation call for polycentric, balanced regional urbanisation.
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