Vol. 2 No. Issue 1March, 1100-1111 (2025): Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Rural Communities

Abstract: Though with slight ups and downs, Vietnamese economies have been flourishing for recent 
decades. Just like other remaining historical districts in Asia, those of Vietnam have been going through 
rapid urbanization and transformation. The rapid urbanization impacts on traditional living environment. 
This paper examines the impacts of rapid urbanization to traditional living environment and community 
linkage, illustrating a case study of the Gia Hoi area of the historic old district in the city of Hue in 
Central Vietnam. To identify the impacts, a comparative analysis is conducted between neighbors along 
a main street which were more impacted by urbanization and those along a small alley which were less 
impacted. Through the analysis of field and questionnaire surveys, it found out that socioeconomic 
conditions, in particular, community linkage of households along main street and small ally varied 
significantly. It argues that in historical district, social capital is not well-spread, but rather concentrated 
along small allies, and small allies play an important role for sustainable community. 
Key words: Community linkage, impact of urbanization, traditional living environment, historical city.