Contemporary city and state life has changed significantly from the modest, egalitarian, and family-centered communities that predominated early human history. Considering the negative aspects of living in densely populated places with social inequalities and complicated economic systems is essential since they are just as important as the positive aspects of urbanization and the growth of complex economies. This discussion will examine city and state life compared to egalitarian societies.
The issue of social inequality is, by far, one of the most obvious distinctions between these two ways of life. Small, egalitarian societies often have a very equal distribution of wealth and authority. Shared obligations exist, and a strong feeling of community is frequently present. Cities and states, in contrast, frequently display glaring gaps in income, access to resources, and opportunities (Pozoukidou and Chatziyiannaki 2021, p.5). Those at the bottom of the social ladder may feel unfairness and dissatisfaction due to social hierarchies.
Additionally, economic specialization is the norm in states and cities. While significant technical breakthroughs and higher overall production have resulted from specialization, drawbacks exist. People who are highly specialized in their fields of work may feel cut off from the bigger picture of life. People often have various talents and duties in small, family-centered cultures (Oishi and Tsang 2022, pp.521–525). They may play several roles, which can be psychologically satisfying. In metropolitan settings, where individuals frequently have highly specialized professions that demand a restricted concentration, this sense of adaptability and connection with other elements of life might be absent.
The intricacy of contemporary economies may often be intimidating. Small, egalitarian cultures typically have more superficial economic structures built around simple activities like farming, hunting, and gathering for survival. People and the production of their food and other necessities are closely related. Contrarily, complex production, commerce, and consumption networks define metropolitan economies. In addition to bringing about unparalleled financial affluence, this complexity has also made us feel cut off from the sources of our nutrition. A lack of appreciation for the resources we use and a sense of separation from the natural world might result from the fact that many urban people are unaware of where their food and other necessities come from.
Furthermore, problems with overpopulation and environmental deterioration are frequent in highly populated cities. A worse quality of life may be influenced by pollution, heavy traffic, and a lack of open space (Pozoukidou and Chatziyiannaki 2021, pp.11–12). Smaller ecological footprints and a stronger bond with nature are typical of small-scale communities. Urban living can result in less common tension in more open, rural settings.
Cities and states can also have more fleeting and flimsy social relationships. People frequently develop solid and long-lasting attachments to their small, tightly connected groups in small, family-based cultures. Urban life, on the other hand, might promote a feeling of isolation and a lack of genuine social relationships (Green 2022; Pozoukidou and Chatziyiannaki 2021, p.14). Building and maintaining personal connections can be difficult in a city because of how fast-paced it is, which can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In conclusion, while there is no question that governments and cities have significantly improved human civilization, it is essential to recognize the drawbacks of contemporary urban existence. Life in cities and states can be less fulfilling than in small, egalitarian communities due to social inequity, economic specialization, complexity, environmental problems, and a lack of strong social relationships. Striking a balance between the advantages of development and protecting components of human existence that contribute to general well-being and contentment is essential.
Reference List
Green, A.S. 2022. Of Revenue Without Rulers: Public Goods in the Egalitarian Cities of the Indus Civilization. Frontiers in Political Science 4. doi: 10.3389/fpos.2022.823071.
Oishi, S. and Tsang, S. 2022. The socio‐ecological psychology of residential mobility. Journal of Consumer Psychology 32(3), pp. 519–536. doi: 10.1002/jcpy.1310.
Pozoukidou, G. and Chatziyiannaki, Z. 2021. 15-Minute City: Decomposing the New Urban Planning Eutopia. Sustainability 13(2), p. 928. doi: 10.3390/su13020928.
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