Major Difference Between Urban and Rural: Human settlement is mainly divided into two categories and this is based on the density of development, amenities, population, employment opportunities, education, etc. However, the two categories are urban and rural settlements. Urban areas are towns and cities while rural settlements are areas that are in the outskirts. In this article, we will show you the major difference between urban and rural settlement.
An urban settlement is a stiff populated territory involving mostly man-made structures that contain the whole of a society’s administrative, cultural, social, private and religious activities. Rural settlements do not include towns but villages, hamlets, and farms.
Understanding Urban Settlement
An urban settlement’s size depends on its population, with the area growing as more people settle there. Most countries have very certain population minimums before a settlement is considered urban; but a town, a city and a metropolitan area include a few types of urban settlements.
But depending on the country, the population of an urban area is from a few thousand to at least twenty thousand people. The majority of the population must help itself without relying on agricultural occupations for work.
Since the majority of the individuals living in an urban settlement work outside agriculture, skillful occupations and industrial manufacturing provide the economy’s basis. A centralized government and banking system only exist with residents relying on a cash or credit system as opposed to barter.
In cities, people have no time to stand and look at nature. They are not religious minded but are more materialistic.
Understanding Rural Settlement
Rural settlement refers to a small settlement, which is outside the boundaries of a city, commercial or industrial area. It may also include villages or hamlets, countryside areas, where there is natural vegetation and open spaces.
There is also a low density of the population in such an area. The main source of income of the residents is agriculture and animal husbandry. However, cottage Industries also form a chief source of income here.
Rural settlements are focused more on natural resources and events. Sunset in rural areas means the day is over. Development in rural areas is rare, based on the availability of natural vegetation and fauna in the region.
In India, a town whose population is less than 15000 is considered as rural, as per the planning commission. However, Gram Panchayat is in charge of looking after such areas. But, there is no municipal board, in the villages and the highest percentage of the male population is engaged in agriculture and related activities.
Major Difference Between Urban and Rural Areas
1. Life in rural areas is simple and it reflects in the way of living, dressing, food habits, shelter, and manners, etc.
2. Life in urban areas is not easy but very hard and complicated.
3. Similarity is a major characteristic of rural areas while an urban settlement consist of different castes, creeds, religions, and cultures hence does not enjoy the same social status.
4. In rural society, there was little scope for occupational mobility whereas in urban areas occupational mobility is frequent.
5. In rural areas, the family plays a very important and principal role. While the urban areas have a fierce mindset and the family isn’t held in high regard.
6. Life in villages isn’t fast and has no such necessity for social flexibility. But, in cities, social flexibility is principal because of the pace of change and development.
7. Typically, in urban communities, women enjoy very high social status.
8. There were fewer chances of providing employment and motives to the unemployed by the society in rural areas.