Some demographic and economic aspects of Third World and First World urbanization and the economic implications thereof for South Africa

Abstract

This paper analyses various demographic and economic features of the urbanization process that is taking place in Third World (developing) and First World (developed) countries. A comparison of some demographic and economic differences between contemporary Third World urbanization and First World urbanization at a comparable stage of development is made. The aim is to see what South African urbanization can learn from the comparison between Third and First World urbanization. The paper concludes that the difference between them may often be ascribed to the rapid population expansion taking place in developing countries. In South Africa, the problem of numbers is complicated by the differentiated plural social order. The knowledge gained and example set by developed countries constitute an invaluable resource for other countries to draw upon. The contrast between the two groups of countries may facilitate the understanding of urban policies in South Africa.

Notes

Lecturer in Economics, Vista University.