URBANIZATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON TRADITIONAL SOCIETIES: TRANSFORMATION, ADAPTATION, AND CULTURAL CONTINUITY

Abstract

Urbanization is a global phenomenon reshaping social, economic, and cultural landscapes, particularly affecting traditional societies rooted in rural and indigenous ways of life. This article examines how rapid urban growth influences traditional social structures, cultural practices, and identity formation. Through a multidisciplinary review of anthropological, sociological, and geographic studies, it explores the challenges and adaptations experienced by communities transitioning from rural to urban environments. The study highlights both the erosion of certain traditions and the resilience and transformation of cultural identities in urban settings. It further discusses policy implications for sustainable urban development that respects cultural heritage.