Urbanization is the life process for many and the desired lifestyle for many others. Today, humans inhabit both urban and rural areas around the world. Many people may be disappointed by the development of an increasing number of urban areas. Many populations, once rural areas, are now being swallowed straight up as cities expand outward. The effects of urbanization, both positive and negative, are examined in the following paragraphs. It will also reveal who is most affected by urbanization and who plays a role in preventing and/or planning development appropriately. Anthropology plays many roles in the world today. Human society is directly affected by decisions made by countries or government agencies with the assistance of the anthropologist. Let's start examining where we are and where we are going with urbanization. Human societies live in settlements that are classified as rural or urban. Urban areas include man-made structures and there are more residents inhabiting the area. Rural or countryside areas often develop randomly. Natural vegetation and land availability often play a significant role in determining human settlement in rural regions. Increasing the amount of rural areas becomes the goal of agencies and government. Many urban areas were once rural areas before becoming developed. Urban areas include advanced civic services. Opportunities such as education, transportation, business and social interface generally increase in urban areas. Natural resources and natural events often form the basis for settlement in rural areas. Urban areas benefit from human progress. Science and technology play an increasingly important role in the proper daily functioning of society. Ar urban......middle of paper......nd). United Nations News Center. Retrieved April 7, 2012, from http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/units/un05txt.aspKottak, C. P. (2012). Window on Humanity: A Concise Introduction to Anthropology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.Smrcka, K. (2010, April 23). The effects of urbanization will be more pronounced in megacities. Engineering News. Retrieved April 7, 2012, from http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/effects-of-urbanisation-to-be-most-pronounced-in-mega-cities-2010-04-23Urbanization and Global Change. (2006, January 4). The Global Change Program at the University of Michigan. Retrieved April 7, 2012, from http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/urban_gc/Urbanization They are causes, effects, and benefits. (2010, 01 July). Because the articles. Retrieved April 7, 2012, from http://www.whyarticles.com/urbanization-its-causeseffects-and-benefits/