Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

Urban migration refers to the movement of people from rural areas to cities, primarily in search of better employment opportunities and improved living standards. As per Periodic Labour Force Survey, rural-to-urban migration, represents 18.9% of total internal migration in India. World migration report 2024 indicates that urban migration, especially to larger tier 1 and 2 cities becoming common skipping smaller towns with 750 million people migrating to urban areas.

## Pull Factors for large cities attracting more migrants than smaller towns

• Economic Opportunities:large cities offer wide range of jobs and higher wages in manufacturing and services sectors as compared to smaller towns.


• Access to Better Services:superior healthcare, education facilities in large cities compared to rural and small town make way for more ease of living. Eg. JNU in Delhi


• Superior Infrastructure:better transportation, utilities, and amenities in large cities that enhance quality of life, making them appealing destinations for migrants. Eg-Nairobihas advanced hospitals and public transport compared to rural Kenyan towns.


• Political and institutional support:large cities like Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, shanghai in China or Chittagong in Bangladesh are focus of government policies, investments and FDI, making them hub of economic activities attracting migrants.


• Social Reasons:

• Presence of Social Networks:established migrant communities in large cities provide support and resources for newcomers, facilitating their integration and job searches.


• Cultural and Social Mobility– Cities offer a modern lifestyle. InSão Paulo, Brazil, migrants are attracted to the cosmopolitan environment and entertainment options that smaller towns lack.


• Perceptions about growth, prosperity and modernityattract more migrants to large cities rather than smaller towns.Eg. mumbai’s image as city of dreams.

## However, smaller cities are also attracting migrants in recent years

• Lower Cost of Living: For example, in India, living in a smaller town likeCoimbatoreis far cheaper than inMumbai.


• Less Congestion and Pollution: Smaller towns offer acleaner environmentwith less traffic congestion and pollution compared to big cities.


• Closer Community and Social Ties: Smaller towns often havestronger community bonds, where individuals feel more connected and supported by local networks, unlike the anonymity of big cities. This appeals to migrants looking for aclose-knit society.


• Decreasing Urban Job Opportunities: As big cities facesaturation of jobs, smaller towns have become attractive due to the rise of industries andremote workingopportunities. For example, the growth of IT hubs in smaller cities likeKochiin India.

Initiatives likeSmart Cities Missionshould be extended to smaller towns, while rural job programs likeMGNREGAneed to be strengthened to make rural living more viable and ensure decentralized development.

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