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Environmental And Urbanization Degradation Vs Welfare in Developing World: A Sociological Appraisal

Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2834-8745/006

Environmental And Urbanization Degradation Vs Welfare in Developing World: A Sociological Appraisal

  • Mohammad Taghi Sheykhi *

Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Alzahra University, Iran.

*Corresponding Author: Mohammad Taghi Sheykhi, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Alzahra University, Iran.

Citation: Mohammad Taghi Sheykhi, (2023) Environmental and Urbanization Degradation Vs Welfare in Developing World: A Sociological Appraisal. Journal of Scientific Research and Biomedical Informatics, 2(2); Doi: 10.31579/2834-8745/006

Copyright: © 2023 Mohammad Taghi Sheykhi, This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 23 March 2023 | Accepted: 17 April 2023 | Published: 28 April 2023

Keywords: environmental degradation; urbanization; welfare; population growth; healthy environment

Abstract

Sociologically speaking, environmental degradation widely affects the depletion of natural resources such as air, water and soil. Increasing number of countries currently face a decline in their environment. Due to increasing urbanization, air pollution is widely observed, and water shortage is touched in many areas of the developing world. Environmental degradation has included the destruction of ecosystems, habitats, wildlife extinction and many more. Therefore, such countries should put the improvement of environment on the planning agenda. If not, the overall efficiency of society will be sociologically jeopardized. Population itself has a determining impact on the quality of environment. Access to advanced technologies, increasing factories and new industries, large number vehicles and other related technologies, all differently affect the healthy environment. The scenario will even continue to the year 2050, when the world population will be above 10 billion (WPDS, 2020). Most of the effects of urbanization are on developing societies, which are experiencing high population growth. That is why the greatest environmental degradation can be seen today in developing countries. Generally speaking, environmental health is achieved through the type of circumstances that public welfare is ensured in a society.

Introduction

The way to meet the growing demand of the future is to address the issues of population and income. While demand in various fields in all areas, both urban and rural, is constantly increasing, the population must be planned in a way that is reasonably proportional to the income index. It is in this context that different segments of the population will be able to meet their needs easily. Demand in various fields of food, consumption, services and the like in the face of growing population, requires more purchasing power, more income, security of sustainable employment and the like. Providing the mentioned fields in its economic form should be considered, planned and evaluated. Therefore, there is a close and significant relationship between demographic, sociological and economic indicators. Therefore, many economic needs of the population will not be easily met if little attention is paid to economic indicators. In a situation where the population of developing countries is constantly increasing, the sources of economic security of this population must always be provided; That is, indicators such as employment, income, income increase and the like. From the point of view of economic sociology, in proportion to population growth, increasing employment resources should always be on the agenda of planners. Not only income, but also a reasonable and gradual increase in income must occur to a certain extent every year, so that the economic and welfare needs of the population can be easily met and achieved, otherwise the areas of poverty, deprivation and many social and economic disorders. Appears in communities.

Method of Research

Methodology used in the present article is of qualitative type. In that, various paradigms have been used to find out about the facts regarding pandemics during the history. Qualitative research usually studies people, events or areas in their natural settings. In finding facts for the research, the researcher engaged in careful data collection and thoughtful analysis of what was relevant. In the documentary research applied for the present research, printed and written materials were widely regarded. The research was performed as a qualitative library-type in which the researcher had to refer to the relevant and related sources. In the current research, various documents were thoroughly investigated, and the needful inferences were made. The data fed by the investigator in the present article is hopefully reliable. Though literature on pandemics is very limited, yet the author tried to investigate many different resources in order to elicit the necessary information to build up the text.

Increasing income versus increasing population

The calculation of food needs should be based first on population growth and then on a combination of factors that affect people's purchasing power in some way; In such a way that they can supply their food through domestic producers or through imported products. Following income increases, consumption patterns, consumption needs, more food use, and the like occur in countries, especially in developing societies. And goes back to Malthus' theory (1798) (Bruckner & Schwandt, 2013). Such needs are met either by increasing domestic production, or by imported products responding to increased demand. Therefore, following economic dynamism and earning more income, the diversity of consumption and consumption patterns of the population also change. Developing countries, which usually face higher incomes, such as China, South Korea, India, etc., are now facing similar changes in consumption patterns. It should be noted that the change in economic patterns also affects the cultural and social norms of the population; That is, a phenomenon that is itself significant from a sociological point of view.

Although the purchasing power of food increases as economic growth increases, the actual amount that people consume depends on income elasticity. Measures demand elasticity of demand and how commodity demand responds to changing income conditions. Hence, the purchasing power parity of individuals is a fundamental economic indicator today. If purchasing power per capita does not increase, meeting basic needs will face challenges and weaknesses; That is, conditions in which members of society gradually meet the needs (poverty) in conditions of weakness. Many non-industrialized (developing) countries today are in such a critical situation; That is, a situation in which involuntary migration also occurs.

Therefore, economic growth in developed countries has little effect on food demand. While economic growth in developing countries has a major impact on food demand, factors such as population growth, previous restrictions, migration to urban areas, changing lifestyles, and so on. Instead, economic growth in these countries is affecting food demand. Therefore, such countries (developing countries) should always expect crises due to food supply and demand, shortage of some food items, continuous inflation, etc., while in developed countries, Economic growth and rising incomes do not increase food demand rapidly, but increase incomes in other sectors such as tourism, services, other welfare areas, body management, and so on.

Developed economies

The economy in developed countries is such that due to income elasticity, food demand is not so high or in other words changes less. As mentioned earlier, industrialized countries, in pursuit of increasing production of their products and industry, as well as product diversity, modernity, population and the like, the demand curve is not focused solely on food, but is spent in other sectors and that itself to better economic movement., Helps produce more products and the like. Economic conditions in developed countries are such that food consumption does not increase as much due to rising incomes, and this may be due to low population growth, while the demand for higher quality food in such communities compared to regular foods, it is likely to increase. One of the characteristics of a developed economy is typically the high level of economic growth and security in those societies, which is reflected in per capita income, level of industrialization, general standard of living and the amount of technological infrastructure in those societies (Investopedia, 2018). One of the obvious economic differences between industrialized and non-industrialized countries is the effect of rising incomes on food demand. In industrial societies, due to the stability of demographic indicators, any increase in income does not have such an effect on food, while in industrialized countries, following any increase in per capita income, the demand for food and consumption increases, and that in itself In many cases, it even leads to food shortages and consequently higher prices. In contrast, in developing countries, following an increase in average incomes, there is a significant increase in food consumption. This situation is widespread in various parts of Asia today; That is, areas that have achieved high economic growth, and per capita income has increased in such countries, and on the other hand, the patterns of food consumption and other consumption has accelerated and increased. In such societies, there is generally more economic inflation. Developing countries have experienced rapid economic growth over the three decades ending in 1990. Their GDP has grown by 2.5 percent year on year, rising to $ 840 in 1990. At the same time, this growth has been uneven and different between countries and regions (Pandya-Lorch, 1994). In such countries, the pattern of shopping changes completely, so that with increasing welfare and better economic situation, people turn more to meat and dairy products and other favorite foods, while the consumption of rice and beans as food decreases. These conditions have changed from traditional foods to new foods in many East Asian countries, including China, following an increase in family income.

Economic sociology also emphasizes the reform of the family (household) income pattern in such a way that the family income increases every year. Following such an increase, individuals and family members have the opportunity to access more and more varied foods. At the same time, improving the quality of the family food in terms of demographics will ultimately lead to longer life expectancy; That is, what ultimately leads to an increase in life expectancy. Therefore, in order to achieve a higher life expectancy index, economic planners should always seek to improve the income of the family institution. A Harvard University study notes that income levels have a stunning effect on longer life expectancy and population health (Reuell, 2016). In this way, economic dynamism can be achieved in a desired society. The opposite of this situation means recession, deprivation of many foods, lower health, and ultimately lower life expectancy. Therefore, the level of food consumption is affected by the rate of economic growth; That is, the economic growth that a given region enjoys. Economic growth itself depends on natural areas, literacy and education, the use of different technologies, the use of capacities and the like. In other words, economic growth is self-acquired and buildable. Comprehensive efforts, construction of infrastructure facilities, paving the necessary grounds and other conditions will lead to economic growth. In this way, achieving many social and demographic positions of a society is also affected. Achieving this quality of life benefits the attainment of future generations, and the chain of development can be sustained. Today, many countries are on the path of production, distribution, consumption (improving quality of life, high life expectancy and other indicators).

Climate change and food supply and demand

Undoubtedly, climate change is affecting both aspects of world food supply and demand. For example, global warming, scarcity of water resources, and similar conditions affect agricultural self-exploitation, food production, dairy and livestock production, and similar products. The result of such a move is an impact on food supply and demand. In the face of limited food production or, in other words, reduced supply, prices naturally rise. Accept. This condition has a significant effect on how to consume, access to different nutritional needs and, consequently, on the quality of life of individuals. According to solid evidence, climate change has had a measurable effect on the quantity and quality of food produced worldwide (The Guardian, 2012). Today, many Third World countries with a per capita income of $ 1 to $ 2 a day face this situation. These conditions have put a large population in economic straits. The result of such an interaction is food shortages, the emergence of many diseases, more deaths for different age groups and the like. In order to correct the mentioned scenario, the demographic structure of the countries should also be considered. Otherwise, erosive poverty within such communities will persist.

This is due to the fact that unfavorable weather conditions, especially in developing countries, reduce economic growth, negatively affect agricultural productivity, etc. Today, many parts of the world are exposed to dangers and disorder. Caused by global warming; It is a process that affects the agricultural economy of such communities in a comprehensive way. This is the result of widespread migration from urban to rural areas; That is, a movement that itself creates more problems and disorder in urban areas. Vulnerable countries must therefore always look for alternatives in terms of food and agricultural production for themselves in the coming years; That is, products that are compatible with hot weather and water restrictions.

Climate change, especially in developing countries, is also affecting grain production, reducing export capacity, and in some cases. Today, many countries, especially Third World countries, which have previously relied heavily on agricultural products of various grains and legumes, have left this type of production process due to climate change, lack of water and energy resources and conditions. Thus, they have faced income constraints and economic problems. Such people have generally left rural areas and turned to urban activities and services, which in turn has doubly affected urban health and the economy.

Models of the world food system

The effective model represents the agricultural sector in detail, in detail and mixed with other economic sectors. The purpose of this discussion is environmental effects, fuel shortages, how to use food that can be obtained from forest areas, pasture conservation, reducing negative human impacts and the like, among the factors affecting the agricultural sector, that is, what constitutes a society's economy. Creating a sustainable food system as a dominant endeavor seeks to target and redirect food systems and policies to achieve goals and achieve improved social welfare (Allen et al. 2016). Many less developed countries in the world today are out of the trends of their agricultural-economic sector under the influence of these indicators and factors. Therefore, countries should take these factors into account when exploiting their agricultural resources, and as far as possible ensure their health and effectiveness. Under such conditions, the agricultural economy can be revived and maintained.

The mentioned model encourages the production of products under the influence of productivity growth rate, investment in irrigation sector and optimal utilization of water resources. The agricultural economics sector will remain stable if the above are taken into account. Otherwise, many failures in this area are possible. It is noteworthy that countries should largely postpone their economic growth to economic growth - agriculture and its increasing exploitation. While countries, especially Third World societies, are experiencing population growth, investing in their agricultural economies is of paramount importance. In this way, revenues and expenses can be adjusted to a large extent, thus preventing food price increases. Computational models of food systems are the same as economic models (ie, input-output models and general computable models are balanced) (Kaper et al.2017). The influential model reflects the fact that "demand" is influenced by prices, incomes and population growth, and that it includes several groups of demand for goods, including food, fuels and other uses. Income factor has played a decisive role in meeting the nutritional needs of families and individuals in various urban and rural communities. In addition, the provision of fuel and energy today is itself a household or family expense. Therefore, the economic system of countries today should be such that individuals and households can easily meet their basic needs. While this situation has been provided in industrialized countries, non-industrialized countries face it as a major problem. This means that the population in such countries has increased, creating a gap between income levels. And the level of prices itself has created poverty in these societies; That is the phenomenon that different urban and rural strata are facing today in developing countries. Not only today, but by 2050, the situation will expand to include more people. For this reason, many economic sociologists have identified the years around 2050 as a critical point.

Economic development itself has a significant positive impact on food security outcomes among developing countries. The engine of economic drive and inclusive supply is known as economic development. Economic development means utilizing as much as possible of raw materials, raw materials and the like, so that more added value can be achieved through the processing process; That is, the flow in which people's purchasing power increases (ppp). In this way, household members can respond positively to their food and other needs. In Asia, countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and the like have achieved such a position, and this is reflected in the increase in GDP in its annual form. They find it.

World food prices will increase in the period leading up to 2050, and factors such as population and income growth will be involved. According to many forecasts, while seawater levels are rising, food costs will continue to rise by 2050. According to IPCC studies, food prices are expected to increase by 84% (Billford, 2015). While food production will decline in the coming years due to a shortage of manpower in rural areas and the agricultural economy, there will be a different and increasing trend in the face of new consumption patterns and consumption patterns. Under such circumstances, food prices will increase unprecedentedly, especially in developing countries. Many economic sociologists have realized this model and are looking for fundamental and practical solutions to potential challenges.

Increasing research on productivity and applying new techniques is needed if it is to prevent price increases. Before the effect of the mentioned conditions and according to the forthcoming scenario, more scientific researches should be done, in the hope that more and effective solutions can be achieved; That is, by using newer technologies, the utilization of agricultural and food resources can be improved, and quantitatively increased. In this way, and in an optimistic way, part of the food crisis can be controlled by 2030 and then by 2050.

The two obvious factors of increasing population and increasing or decreasing their crops have an impact on changing food patterns, access to energy, water resources and how the environment works. A country's ability to feed its population depends on three factors: the availability of arable land, access to water resources, and population pressures (Sadik, 1989). Therefore, while the trend of population growth in its global form should be under the conscious supervision, the trend of increasing or decreasing food should also be predicted. These conditions affect water resources, having enough energy and how the environment. As a result, many sociological sociologists have taken different perspectives on population and economics and encouraged such research. 

Under the current circumstances, the structure of production by 2020 will be different from what it is now (2014/2010) in developing countries. As the world's population grows by the middle of the 21st century, what is less clear is how the pattern is growing; In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the highest population growth will occur. In some Asian countries, due to the economic recovery during those countries by 2050, their populations will gradually experience a declining trend. In the coming years, it will face population growth, restructuring of food production, and food shortages. The worst situation will be on the African continent, while the Asian continent will face fewer problems than Africa due to demographic and economic plans. At the same time, since food patterns are influenced quantitatively and qualitatively by the globalization trend, population and food planners must always make the necessary predictions from an economic sociological perspective in order to do so. They can control social deficiencies.

The economic growth of such countries has a significant impact on food patterns and, consequently, the level of demand for livestock products. As economic growth increases people's per capita income and purchasing power, the demand for food products, including livestock, will increase in such countries. Therefore, those planning to produce food, agriculture and livestock products should review their production process in advance. This means that even in the absence of population growth, demand for food and livestock derivatives will increase as economic conditions improve and purchasing power increases. The trend of urbanization on the one hand and the increase of purchasing power on the other hand, increase the trend of consumption (FAO, 2017).

Conclusion

Many sociologists believe that, to reach a general welfare, we must first be able to control environmental degradation. Similarly, Economic development and increase of machinery and industrial units in any society, eventually leads to the rise of urbanization and environmental pollution. Generally and gradually, industrial units go on manufacture and use of catalysts, to thereby preserve the environment as much as possible. Such a process has already gone to many industrial countries. To control the environment, the industrialized nations have largely controlled their population growth on the one hand, and conserved their natural resources on the other hand in order to further access to welfare. This issue is facing the developing countries today. Such countries are currently widely facing urbanization- leading to the decline of the public welfare. Hence, the environmental disaster today, highly and negatively affect quality of life and public welfare of the people in those countries. Today such a situation is emerging in a pervasive and destructive form on the continent of Africa.

References

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