What are the advantages and disadvantages of rural industrialization?

The major advantages of industrialization in rural areas are employment, infrastructure, and education. Rural areas are often left behind when it comes to economic opportunities. For families that do not farm, rural areas can mean a lengthy commute to the nearest job sites, but more often, those in rural areas experience higher rates of unemployment. Industrialization can bring jobs to those remote areas, and with jobs, better infrastructure. Building a factory means building roads to...

The major advantages of industrialization in rural areas are employment, infrastructure, and education. Rural areas are often left behind when it comes to economic opportunities. For families that do not farm, rural areas can mean a lengthy commute to the nearest job sites, but more often, those in rural areas experience higher rates of unemployment. Industrialization can bring jobs to those remote areas, and with jobs, better infrastructure. Building a factory means building roads to the factory, ensuring quick shipping routes, and providing adequate housing for employees. Finally, with better infrastructure and job opportunities often come better schools. The tax base in a community increases around industry, small businesses come in to serve that industry (such as restaurants and hotels). As property values increase, the demand for and funding for public schools increase.

The major disadvantages of industrialization in rural areas are pollution, displacement of residents, and loss of natural spaces. Rural areas can be more susceptible to groundwater and/or freshwater pollution when industry moves in because they do not have the safeguards already in place in industrialized areas. The issue is compounded if the rural area is home to livestock and/or crop farming. When industry comes to a rural area, bringing jobs and tax breaks with it, it may need to displace homes, businesses, schools, and wildlife to set up operations. Finally, rural areas are marked by unspoiled acreage, which may not generate revenue, but preserves green spaces and wildlife.  Loss of green spaces is one of the major reasons rural residents protest industrialization.