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The Political Economy of Slums: Theory and Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Fox, Sean

Abstract

Over 800 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America live in slums. Why? I argue that slums are a result of “disjointed modernization” and show that 70% of cross-country variation in slum incidence is explained by demographic, economic, and institutional factors. I trace the origins of disjointed modernization in sub-Saharan Africa back to the colonial period and show that colonial era investments and institutions are reflected in contemporary variation in slum incidence. I argue that status quo interests and the rise of an anti-urbanization bias in development discourse have inhibited investment and reform in the postcolonial era.

Suggested Citation

  • Fox, Sean, 2014. "The Political Economy of Slums: Theory and Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 191-203.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:54:y:2014:i:c:p:191-203
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2013.08.005
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