What is urbanization?

Urbanization refers to the process through which populations shift and concentrate in urban areas, leading to the growth of cities and metropolitan regions. This phenomenon typically occurs when individuals move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better employment opportunities, improved living standards, and access to services such as education and healthcare.

The process of urbanization can result in significant demographic changes, including increases in population density and the expansion of urban infrastructure, as more people are drawn to cities for economic activities and lifestyle choices. Urbanization is often accompanied by social changes, including shifts in cultural practices and lifestyles as people with diverse backgrounds converge in these urban areas.

The other choices describe concepts that are either fundamental aspects of urbanization or completely unrelated. For instance, a shift from urban to rural areas does not align with the definition of urbanization, as it describes a decrease in urban population. Similarly, focusing solely on suburban neighborhoods or cultural norms does not capture the essence of urbanization, which fundamentally involves the increasing habitation of urban spaces. Thus, the correct definition of urbanization is the process by which populations increasingly live in urban areas.