Planet of Slums
On the second chapter of the book Planet of Slums, Mike Davis addresses the ongoing yet long-standing presence and growth of slums. He explores the different definitions of slums, and the diversity in terms of housing, population, physical division, and social structure. Throughout the chapter he widely uses data and examples to support his research, and effectively defines key terms, allowing the reader to analyze and understand his study without difficulties. The main question that Davis tries to answer on this chapter is what characterizes a slum, and what dynamics are emerging from the multiple necessities and priorities of poor urban dwellers, and their interactions with other actors?
After having addressed the current urbanization trends around the world on the previous chapter, Davis go deeper on the issue of slums and their characteristics. He warns about the dangers that urban poverty is placing, and the potential catastrophe coming as a consequence of it, being the slum one of the primary faces of urban poverty. He provides the UN definition of slum, which is “characterized by overcrowding, poor or informal housing, inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, and insecurity of tenure” (Davis, 2007, p. 23). …show more content…
The author follows this dilemma with certain options available for the slum dweller in order to fulfill, at least partially, those priorities. The two main housing options available for the individual are, either renting an apartment, which would include secure tenure and proper location, but usually would be out of reach in terms of price. Or, especially in the third world, build his own house, having centrality without secure tenure, creating squatter
On the second chapter of the book Planet of Slums, Mike Davis addresses the ongoing yet long-standing presence and growth of slums. He explores the different definitions of slums, and the diversity in terms of housing, population, physical division, and social structure. Throughout the chapter he widely uses data and examples to support his research, and effectively defines key terms, allowing the reader to analyze and understand his study without difficulties. The main question that Davis tries to answer on this chapter is what characterizes a slum, and what dynamics are emerging from the multiple necessities and priorities of poor urban dwellers, and their interactions with other actors?
After having addressed the current urbanization trends around the world on the previous chapter, Davis go deeper on the issue of slums and their characteristics. He warns about the dangers that urban poverty is placing, and the potential catastrophe coming as a consequence of it, being the slum one of the primary faces of urban poverty. He provides the UN definition of slum, which is “characterized by overcrowding, poor or informal housing, inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, and insecurity of tenure” (Davis, 2007, p. 23). …show more content…
The author follows this dilemma with certain options available for the slum dweller in order to fulfill, at least partially, those priorities. The two main housing options available for the individual are, either renting an apartment, which would include secure tenure and proper location, but usually would be out of reach in terms of price. Or, especially in the third world, build his own house, having centrality without secure tenure, creating squatter