What is the term for the social and economic changes resulting from the movement of populations from rural areas to urban centers?

Urbanization refers to the process by which increasing numbers of people move from rural areas to urban centers, leading to the growth and development of cities. This phenomenon typically involves significant social and economic changes, such as the shift from an agrarian economy towards manufacturing and service industries. As populations concentrate in urban areas, it can lead to the transformation of social structures, cultural practices, and lifestyles, as well as increased opportunities for employment and education.

In contrast, suburbanization would indicate the expansion of populations moving from urban centers to suburban areas. Industrialization specifically relates to the economic shift towards industrial production and does not primarily focus on population movement. Population distribution refers generally to how people are spread across different areas, but it does not capture the dynamic changes brought about by rural-urban migration. Hence, urbanization is the most accurate term to describe the phenomenon outlined in the question.