Interdisciplinary Drivers of Puerto Rico’s Informal Housing Cycle: A Review of Key Factors

In many disaster-prone regions, lower-income communities face disproportionate impacts due to the prevalence of informal housing. Informal housing, characterized by substandard construction and lack of adherence to building codes, exacerbates vulnerabilities during disasters, leading to widespread destruction and hampered recovery efforts. This study examines the multifaceted causes of informal housing in Puerto Rico using a qualitative content analysis of applicable literature. Seven interdisciplinary factors were derived from 42 relevant manuscripts with identifiable factors linked to informal housing in Puerto Rico: Knowledge, Perception, Government Dynamics, Institutional Support, Enforcement, Culture, and Resources. Despite post-disaster efforts advocating for building back better, systemic challenges perpetuate informal housing practices, reinforcing cycles of vulnerability. This research underscores the need for integrated decision making in pre-disaster preparation and post-disaster reconstruction efforts. This research presents a detailed understanding of the Informal Housing Cycle, demonstrates how interdisciplinary factors are barriers to safe and sustainable housing, and explores the complex relationships between these factors. This study aims to guide policy and practice to reduce future disaster impacts on Puerto Rico housing, thus breaking the cycle of vulnerability, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable resilience in post-disaster reconstruction efforts.