7 reasons for urban-rural population shift
Friday, April 6, 2007 at 10:12AM If you grow up in a spacious area like a farm, you may dream of keeping this space. If you're familiar with crowded places, you may dream of having more space or, you may not know what this means. Along this line, you may perceive geographic movement as a desire, luxury, possibly, a choice, or even an unavoidable necessity.
Population shifts or migrants to and from world urban areas have traditionally been a tell-tale sign of many issues. People move for many different reasons; assumed advantages, such as employment, educational and economic opportunities, or forced movement to flee environmental crises, political or religious conflict. Denied human rights or access to health care also motivates mass movement. People are generally driven by hope or despair, opportunities for sustainable development and an understanding of where they may realize their potential.
The idea of rural-to-urban migration grew when people believed bustling cities would offer higher paying jobs with more benefits and prospects for growth. More was perceived as necessarily better. In fact, people often traditionally felt they had to move to big population areas to obtain experience and to develop a career. Rural areas have typically been left with small populations to tend agriculture, though rural areas also have seasonal economies including, tourism. Rural industries based on natural resources draw people into forestry, mining, and oil and gas exploration. People uninterested in such work or trades tended to migrate to cities.
Yet, satellite surveys of urban areas are increasingly revealing clear evidence of a reverse shift scenario. A massive urban-to-rural migration has been occurring in Western countries (Canada, U.S., Northern Europe). This phenomenon is also extending into Asian-Pacific countries. Could this result from an environmentally-conscious turn-around? Consider the following 7 reasons which help to explain the nature and advantages of this modern urban-to rural population shift:
1) Desire for enhanced personal lifestyle. Obtaining material wealth isn't a primary motivation for everyone. Although higher-paying jobs tend to be found in cities, entrepreneurs and tele-commuting jobs are sample situations which enable workers to thrive financially outside cities. More people are also realizing the benefits of connecting with the Earth in garden spaces and with their loved ones. Less time spent between in a car commute home and office has increasing value people often can't put a price on. Shared time is becoming a more valuable commodity.
2) Wish for affordable land. Families concerned about environments reflect on where to raise children. Individuals also have expectations for how much private space they would like to own. Where people desire to buy a house, land is often less expensive outside cities and choices broader. Children access more playgrounds and larger residential fields. Adults are also able to access green spaces for leisure when clubs better afford green spaces for courts and sports fields.
3) Availability of technology. The idea of being disconnected from the world is a thing of the past. Modern technology such as t.v., radio and broadband Internet are available most anywhere. Technology facilitates communication with friends and family, and also mediates work, makes teleconferences possible and brings people closer for business even if they are geographically separated. The excuse work can't be done "in the country" is no longer true. Highly-successful companies are known to assemble talented people virtually precisely because these people may prefer to live in rural areas. Corporate climates are at least slowly changing with technology and making it possible to create different kinds of lifestyles.
4) Fear of terrorist attacks. Modern perceptions of safety and security are changing. Fear and foreboding have become common reactions to terrorism. This isn't limited to particular attacks. Perceptions of possible terrorist targets include tall buildings, locations of mass transport, and significant landmarks mostly found in cities. Increased surveillance and random bag checks can cause discomfort, increase stress and plant seeds of fear. People in urban areas are moving to favor more rural living as a strategy to minimize potential contact with terrorists.
5) Exploring retirement options. People who have lived through their own rat race have saved money and seek a change of scenery. Sometimes they choose to relax, but they may also need to work to survive and prefer a slower pace in the country over city options. Aging populations of Western countries will soon surpass numbers of working age people. Retirees overwhelmingly choose to distance from urban life and find or create work where they can interact with like-minded people. The country is understood to be quieter, less expensive and also healthier.
6) Quest for longevity. It's noteworthy that a 2005 National Geographic study determined the longest living people on Earth have been found living in rural areas of Okinawa, Japan, Sardina, Italy and Loma Linda, California. These people live simply on land with minimal disturbances to the world. They redefine balance by eating seasonally and locally, practice tai ch'i, yoga and mediation amidst nature.
7) Growing environmental awareness. All the public discussions about the state of the planet are causing people to think more about the consequences of their choices. They realize a lack of public transport in the country may be reason to rethink when its necessary to use their own vehicles. An exercise focus on walking, bicycles, or riding animals makes sense to improve health and well-being. Growing food appeals as does feeling more connected to the land. People also move to locations where they can assist other people develop more sustainable living. This involves missionary work, volunteering and working for foundations, NGOs or agencies.
One of the predictions of the future is a complete population shift where majority populations will move to rural areas and thus, redefine traditional rural living. The dream would not be to transform rural living into a version of urban living with technology and complexity, but rather, traditional rural services may be refined or extended. This apparent shift reveals a widespread desire to bring the perceived benefits of country living back to the city. The question is, are we doing that or are we bringing the city out to modernize the country? Maybe a happy medium can exist.
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