Urbanization and Externalities: A Case Study in Rural China
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/a9mqge40Keywords:
Externalities, urbanization, pollution, China ethnic group, sustainability.Abstract
This paper examines the multifaceted impact of urbanization and externalities through a case study in rural China, with a focus on the Miao and Dong ethnic groups in Guizhou Province. As economic development progresses, the benefits of improved infrastructure, employment, and public services are often accompanied by significant negative externalities, including environmental degradation and cultural erosion. Through the lens of air and water pollution, traffic congestion, and shifts in traditional cultural practices, this study highlights the need for policies that address both the social and environmental costs of rapid industrialization. The research draws on survey data from local villages to assess how development has influenced cultural change, education, and environmental quality. The findings suggest that while economic growth brings tangible improvements, the long-term sustainability of these benefits requires a careful balancing of development goals with the preservation of cultural heritage and the environment.
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