UPSC Mains 2024 GS1 Q5 — Urbanization and Migration
Why do large citites tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- large cititesattract more migrantssmaller townsconditions in developing countries
- Implicit sub-parts
- Distinguish between 'Pull' factors of Tier-1 cities versus the 'Stagnation' factors of Tier-2/3 towns.
- Analyze the structural socioeconomic disparities specific to developing nations (e.g., informal sector reach, specialized infrastructure).
- Evaluate the role of social networks and 'chain migration' in large urban centers.
- Explain the 'Urban Bias' in government investment and policy focus in developing economies.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on general 'Rural-to-Urban' migration instead of the 'Town-to-City' hierarchy asked.
- Failing to mention specific 'developing country' contexts like the lack of basic amenities in small towns compared to the aspirational value of metropolises.
- Neglecting the economic concept of 'Agglomeration Economies' where businesses cluster in large cities, creating more jobs than towns.
- Ignoring the 'Informal Sector' which is often the primary absorber of migrants in large cities but is underdeveloped in smaller towns.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Agglomeration effects, wage differentials)Sociological (Anonymity, caste/class mobility, social capital)Infrastructure/Services (Healthcare, education, connectivity)Administrative (Centralization of political power and resources)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate roughly 30 words to the introduction defining the trend. Use 60 words to contrast the economic and social pull of large cities against small towns. Dedicate the remaining 60 words to specific developing country realities like the informal economy and rural-urban policy bias, concluding with the need for 'Rurban' development.
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