Page 154 - fourth year book

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

slum dwellers in greater Cairo out of 22.5 million (Cairo's

population).
 In Giza governorate about 2.5 million people lived in squatter's areas.

Followed by Cairo which is considered to be the 2nd governorate
after Giza with 2 million people lived in 79 squatter areas followed by

Alexandria which is considered to be the 3rd governorate. The
number of squatters areas in Alexandria about 86.

Characteristics of the urban community

1- Large size and high density of population:

The size of the urban community is much larger than the rural
community. Not only this, in urban areas, there is high density of

population. Density increases the number of short-term, impersonal and
utilitarian social relationships a person is likely to have.

2. Heterogeneity:

Urban population is heterogeneous. It consists of various shades of
people—different castes, classes, ethnic groups, religions, etc. They are

not all alike. Urban community is noteworthy for its diversity.

3. Anonymity:

The sheer pressure of number marks for anonymity. Anonymity is a loss
of identity and sense of belongingness. The heterogeneity of city life with

its mixture of people of all races, castes, classes, creeds, occupations and

ethnic origins heightens the sense of anonymity

4. Mobility and transiency:

Urban life is dynamic. Social relations are temporary. Therefore,
permanency does not develop in urban relations. There is a high rate of

geographical as well as social mobility in urban areas.

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