Kerala’s Urban Transition: Exploring the District–Level Dynamics

By : Smitha Pavianose

Page No: 243-259

Abstract
Urbanisation involves a transition from dispersed human settlements to concentrated urban centres. This process is finite and represents a cycle through which nations evolve from agrarian to industrial societies. India, as a developing country, is experiencing rapid urbanisation. Kerala is distinct among Indian states due to its unique urbanisation process and the challenges that come with it. Unlike other states, Kerala’s urbanisation is not confined to specific cities and towns; instead, the entire state exhibits an urban-rural continuum. This rapid urbanisation in Kerala is driven not by industrialisation, but by significant expansion in the service sector. This paper aims to explore the urbanisation process in Kerala at both the state and district levels, analysing the dynamics involved. It is hypothesised that economic and demographic factors influence the degree of urbanisation in Kerala.

Author
Smitha Pavianose, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Christian College Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.02.8