Question

Write short notes.

Characteristics of urban community.

Discuss the Characteristics of urban community.

Answer 1

Urban community includes towns, cities and metros with their different way of life.

Urban communities have the following characteristics:

1. Heterogeneity: In urban areas, people belong to diverse groups such as class, occupation, caste, language, religion etc. all living in the same territory. There are continuous migrations from tribal and rural areas.
2. The high density of population: Cities and towns have a higher density of population due to large populations and also because of a steady influx of people pouring into urban centres.
3. Different occupations: Occupations are more specialised as there is a widespread division of labour and specialisations. The occupation in urban areas is mainly non-agricultural.
4. Secondary relations: In urban areas, interaction among people is not personal but rather characterised by formal interactions and impersonal relationships which are based on vested interests.
5. Large-scale social mobility: As urban people adapt to the class structure, social mobility increases, thus breaking down caste barriers. Achieved status is given greater value when compared to ascribed status.
6. Market-based economy: The economic organisation of cities is based on their markets and financial system. Marketisation is an essential feature of urban centres. This creates an individualistic attitude wherein the profit motive guides most activities.
7. Advanced infrastructure: Facilities like gas, telephone, drinking water, internet connection, road networks, airports, shopping malls and commercial centres etc. are typically seen in cities. City Development Plans are revised frequently to include diverse civic amenities such as roads, electricity, water, garbage treatment plants etc.
8. Nuclear family: Joint families are comparatively fewer in number. Individualism has led to a significant increase in nuclear families. Family is less stable and more than the family as a unit, it is the individual who is given more importance.
9. Class consciousness: People are more class-conscious and progressive. They are exposed to modern developments in the fields of science and technology. There is greater awareness about one’s rights as well as participation in movements to protect them. 
10. Formal social control: Formal means of social control such as formal education, law and legislation, police and court are needed in addition to informal means. The traditional authority vested in family elders, religious leaders and teachers has decreased greatly. 
11. The complex division of labour: A very clear and specialised division of labour is found. People are trained for their job and skills according to institutional and professional requirements. An interdependence of professions is observed.