Globalization and Migration Impact on Urban Development in Latin America

Globalization among other factors has been a significant influence on the patterns in human demographics. The industrial revolution initiated a chain of events that would see the migration of companies to different continents, the diversification of the business structure and different morphological features in settlement of persons across the world. Throughout the last half of the 18th century to date, significant changes have been seen as urban centers pop up and develop into metropolitan cities (Blouet, 2015, p.139). It is important to note that in this period, significant migration of people due to job opportunities and settlement preferences has radically redesigned the approaches to urban morphology. These changes are universal as every country has seen a radical change in the design of its urban centers Blouet, 2015, p. 140).

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Latin America is not different. Over the last two centuries, the gradual decline of ancient civilizations has seen the rapid diversification of culture and social structure in Latin America. Belize for instance, became a British colony, a period that saw the mass monetization of the countrys demographics. The influence of European countries saw the radical adoption of Christianity, development of a multilingual society and the establishment of different structures like churches, schools and hospitals Blouet, 2015, p. 140). As more people came across different urban and suburban settings, a culture legacy, built on the advancement of industry took root in the country. This culture led to the average increase in the number of persons living in urban and suburban settings. In fact, in the last 60 years, the percentage of people living in urban areas in Latin America has risen from 41% to 79% Blouet, 2015, p. 140).

Why has the relative size of the informal sector gotten bigger since 1980 compare to the period that started 1950?

It must be noted that a lot of the countries in Latin America are primarily agricultural countries. As urban centers grow, issues like congestion, population and rent hikes push the prices of every commodity. As a resolve, the developed nations move their industries from their home countries to places where there is cheaper production costs Blouet, 2015, p. 144). It is because of this reason that the informal sector in Latin America has seen a significant relative increase. As an urban center becomes more developed, the reliance on the informal sector diminishes a lot. This loss in the value of the informal sector was pushed into Latin American Countries. More people in a bid to gain access to better living standards and job opportunities migrated to centers of industry in Latin America. Belize, for instance, had just realized independence and therefore sought to develop their economy (McWilliams, 2015, Slide #5). A bubble of the informal sector steadily grew. Additionally, the number of women in the country far outmatch that of males. As urban centers come up, more informal jobs present themselves for women. The mass migration of women also played a significant role in the growth of the informal growth Blouet, 2015, p. 146).

Describe the history of urbanization in Belize.

Being a relatively small country, Belize is a primarily rural country. It, however, has seen significant growth in Belize City, the largest urban setting in the country. Some factors have led to the growth of the metropolitan. Issues like employment and quality of life are significant influences in the migration of people. Following its independence, the country sought to ensure that they established an economy that would see the radical urbanization of Belize City. A combination of industrialization and contemporary approach towards the planning of Belize City has seen more construction and conservation of important critical infrastructures (Everitt, 1986, pg. 75). Belize City has seen the gradual modernization of their planning. Some of the most evident examples of this modernization are the preservation of buildings of crucial historical value and development of a succinct urbanization plan.

References

Blouet, B. & Blouet, O. (2015). Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic and Regional Survey, 7th Edit (1st ed.).

Everitt, J. (1986). The Growth and Development of Belize City. Journal Of Latin American Studies, 18(01), 75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022216x00011172

McWilliams, (2015). People and Society.pptx.