What does the term "urbanization" refer to?

The term "urbanization" refers specifically to the process by which cities grow as more people move from rural areas to urban centers. This phenomenon typically involves an increase in population density in urban areas, often driven by factors such as job opportunities, better living conditions, and access to services and amenities that are more prevalent in cities than in rural regions. Urbanization has been a significant global trend, especially during periods of industrialization and modernization, as people seek improved economic prospects and improved quality of life.

The focus is on the migration pattern from rural to urban environments, highlighting how cities expand both in size and in cultural, social, and economic complexity as they accommodate growing populations. This process can lead to a variety of changes in urban infrastructure, social dynamics, and economic activities. The other options provided do not capture the essence of urbanization accurately, as they either describe opposite phenomena or contexts unrelated to the growth of cities.