Rapid urbanization has become a defining feature of economic development in many countries, particularly in the Global South. While cities serve as engines of growth, innovation, and opportunity, they also intensify social inequalities, leading to disparities in income, housing, access to services, and overall quality of life. This paper examines the relationship between urbanization and social inequality, focusing on the policy challenges faced by rapidly growing cities.
The study adopts a qualitative research approach based on secondary data from academic literature, urban policy studies, and socio-economic analyses. It explores key dimensions of urban inequality, including housing, employment, infrastructure, and access to public services. The findings indicate that unplanned urban growth, inadequate policy implementation, and institutional constraints contribute to widening inequalities within cities.
The paper concludes that addressing urban inequality requires integrated policy frameworks that focus on inclusive planning, equitable resource distribution, and strengthened governance mechanisms. Sustainable urban development depends on the ability of policymakers to balance economic growth with social equity and ensure that the benefits of urbanization are shared across all sections of society.