Final answer:
The increase in urban population resulted in the rise of urban centers, greater diversity within cities, and a shift from agrarian lifestyles to those focused on wealth and mobility. Societies experienced changes such as occupational specialization and the phenomenon of "white flight" affecting economics and racial composition in urban areas. This urbanization is a global trend with significant impacts on socioeconomic structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dramatic increase in urban population led to significant changes in various aspects of society, including the rise of urban centers as a result of enhanced productivity and technology. Large numbers of workers moved to these urban centers to take up factory jobs, and this migration contributed to the adoption of new social and economic structures. One of these was the shift from rural life, where people were closely tied to the land and tradition, to a more urban-centric lifestyle that emphasized wealth acquisition and social mobility.
As cities grew in size and population, they became more diverse. The consequence of this urbanization was the separation of many individuals from the natural environment, leading to an urban culture that often viewed nature as alien or even threatening. This shift has continued into the twenty-first century, with sociologists still exploring how urban growth impacts social and physical environments.
Another profound change was the development of heterogeneity in human populations within urban areas, characterized by occupational specialization, political stratification, and wealth stratification. Moreover, the phenomenon of "white flight" had repercussions not just for the racial makeup of cities but for the economics of urban areas as well. Affluent residents moving to the suburbs reduced the tax revenue of the cities, exacerbating issues in the urban core while suburban areas thrived.
Finally, the process of urbanization has been a global trend. In the United States, urban areas now house about 80% of the population, a stark increase from the 40% in 1900. This trend is less pronounced in less developed countries, where managing urban growth will be a significant challenge as economies expand.