Theories of Urbanization

Urbanization theories explain how and why cities grow. Key theories include: 1. **Central Place Theory**: Suggests cities develop around central locations that offer goods and services, catering to surrounding areas. 2. **Concentric Zone Model**: Proposes cities expand outward from a central point in rings, each with distinct land uses. 3. **Sector Model**: Highlights that cities grow in sectors or wedges, influenced by transportation routes. 4. **Multiple Nuclei Model**: Argues cities have multiple centers, each serving different functions, rather than a single downtown. These theories help us understand urban growth patterns and social changes in cities.