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The theory and reality of urban slums: Pathways-out-of-poverty or cul-de-sacs?

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  • Ivan Turok

    (HSRC, Cape Town, South Africa)

  • Jackie Borel-Saladin

    (University of Cape Town, South Africa)

Abstract

This article explores two contrasting perspectives on the role of informal settlements in urban labour markets. One proposes that they help to lift households out of rural poverty and onto a path to prosperity through affordable access to urban opportunities. The other suggests that the debilitating conditions confine residents to enduring hardship and insecurity. South Africa is an important test case because of the extent of social and spatial inequalities, and the policy ambivalence towards shack settlements. Preliminary evidence indicates that employment rates are much closer to formal urban areas than to rural areas, but conditions of employment are noticeably worse. Other forms of data are required to assess the magnitude and timescale of economic progression for households.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Turok & Jackie Borel-Saladin, 2018. "The theory and reality of urban slums: Pathways-out-of-poverty or cul-de-sacs?," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(4), pages 767-789, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:55:y:2018:i:4:p:767-789
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098016671109
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Nakamura, Shohei & Avner, Paolo, 2021. "Spatial distributions of job accessibility, housing rents, and poverty: The case of Nairobi," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    4. Debraj Roy & David Bernal & Michael Lees, 2020. "An exploratory factor analysis model for slum severity index in Mexico City," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 57(4), pages 789-805, March.
    5. María José Zapata Campos & Ester Barinaga & Jaan-Henrik Kain & Michael Oloko & Patrik Zapata, 2023. "Organising grassroots infrastructure: The (in)visible work of organisational (in)completeness," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(1), pages 126-145, January.
    6. van Heerden, Quintin & Karsten, Carike & Holloway, Jenny & Petzer, Engela & Burger, Paul & Mans, Gerbrand, 2022. "Accessibility, affordability, and equity in long-term spatial planning: Perspectives from a developing country," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 104-119.
    7. Rains, Emily & Krishna, Anirudh, 2020. "Precarious gains: Social mobility and volatility in urban slums," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).

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