What does urbanization refer to?

Urbanization refers to the process through which an increasing proportion of a population moves from rural areas to urban areas. This phenomenon is primarily driven by factors such as employment opportunities, access to services, and lifestyle changes that cities often offer compared to rural settings. As people migrate to urban centers, these areas expand, develop, and often experience significant population growth, influencing various aspects of society, economy, and culture.

The other options do not capture the essence of urbanization. A decline in population growth in cities contradicts the very nature of urbanization, which involves an increase in city populations. The expansion of rural economies is related to rural development, rather than urban migration. Increased agricultural productivity pertains to advancements and improvements in farming practices, which is a rural-focused concept, distinct from the movement of people to urban areas. Understanding urbanization helps in grasping the broader social dynamics at play in contemporary societies.