As defined by Vaux, “The first published definition of ‘slum’ reportedly occurs in Vaux’s 1812 vocabulary of the flash language, where it is synonymous with ‘racket’ or ‘criminal trade’. By the cholera years of the 1830s and 1840s, however, the poor were living in slums rather than practicing them.”(Davis 12). Have these dwellings evolved into a once social lifestyle of a town into an unsanitary, overcrowded and underserved cesspool? The transmutation of the slums on globalization is at an all time high. There is an increase of people living in urban environments and abandoning their rural lineage. In the readings “Planet of Slums” by Mike Davis states his views on the globalization of slums and how they affect population and quality of life. Frederick Engels ' " The Great Towns," presented vivid gruesome descriptions of the working class in England and how individualism and overall conditions differed according to an aristocracy. Lastly, Edward Glaeser 's
…show more content…
It addressed an issue I am always passionate about which is women rights. Surprisingly, I was pleased to read women’s role in slums during these times. It enables the reader to understand how tough life was and still is for the urban woman. To not only bear children within these unsanitary conditions but to force themselves to work when in the past it was merely an option. For example, Davis actually mentioned how women in different countries no longer stayed at home but took on the responsibility of providing for her family just like a man. Some countries like China had factory jobs available and some countries like Nigeria the women had to become creative to receive income. “Instead, deindustrialization and the decimation of male formal-sector jobs compelled women to improvise new livelihoods as piece workers, liquor sellers, street vendors, cleaners, washers, ragpickers, nannies and prostitutes.” (Davis
It addressed an issue I am always passionate about which is women rights. Surprisingly, I was pleased to read women’s role in slums during these times. It enables the reader to understand how tough life was and still is for the urban woman. To not only bear children within these unsanitary conditions but to force themselves to work when in the past it was merely an option. For example, Davis actually mentioned how women in different countries no longer stayed at home but took on the responsibility of providing for her family just like a man. Some countries like China had factory jobs available and some countries like Nigeria the women had to become creative to receive income. “Instead, deindustrialization and the decimation of male formal-sector jobs compelled women to improvise new livelihoods as piece workers, liquor sellers, street vendors, cleaners, washers, ragpickers, nannies and prostitutes.” (Davis