Shanty towns

Definition

Shanty towns are informal settlements characterized by poorly constructed housing made from salvaged materials, often found in urban areas of developing countries. These areas typically emerge due to rapid urbanization, where the demand for affordable housing outpaces supply, leading to the creation of makeshift communities on the outskirts of cities. Residents often face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to basic services, and vulnerability to natural disasters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shanty towns are often established without legal permission, making residents vulnerable to eviction and lack of government support.
2. These settlements usually have high population densities, leading to overcrowding and exacerbating issues related to sanitation and health.
3. Many shanty towns lack basic services like clean water, electricity, and proper waste disposal, creating significant public health risks.
4. Residents in shanty towns often engage in informal work due to limited job opportunities in the formal economy, affecting their economic stability.
5. Shanty towns are commonly located on marginal land, such as riverbanks or steep hillsides, making them prone to flooding and landslides.

Review Questions

• How do shanty towns reflect the challenges associated with rapid urbanization?
  • Shanty towns illustrate the difficulties of rapid urbanization by showcasing how quickly growing populations can outstrip available housing resources. As people migrate to cities for better opportunities, the demand for affordable homes increases dramatically. When governments cannot keep up with this demand, informal settlements arise as makeshift solutions for those in need. This situation not only highlights issues of housing but also points to broader problems such as inadequate infrastructure and service provision in rapidly expanding urban areas.
• In what ways do shanty towns contribute to the informal economy, and what are the implications of this for residents?
  • Shanty towns significantly contribute to the informal economy as residents often lack access to formal employment opportunities. Many individuals create businesses or provide services within their communities without government oversight or regulation. While this allows residents to generate income, it also means they lack protections and benefits that come with formal employment. This dependence on the informal economy can lead to financial instability and make it difficult for individuals to improve their living conditions.
• Evaluate the impact of inadequate infrastructure in shanty towns on community health and safety, and suggest potential solutions.
  • Inadequate infrastructure in shanty towns severely impacts community health and safety by contributing to poor sanitation and increased vulnerability to hazards. With limited access to clean water and proper waste disposal systems, residents face higher risks of disease outbreaks. Additionally, the precarious construction of homes makes them susceptible to environmental threats like floods or landslides. Solutions could include investing in community-led initiatives that focus on improving infrastructure, partnering with local governments for better service delivery, and implementing urban planning strategies that integrate these areas into the broader city framework.

Related terms

Urbanization:

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often leading to the growth of cities and associated challenges.

Informal Economy:

Economic activities that occur outside of formal regulations and protections, often prevalent in shanty towns where residents may work in unregulated jobs.

Slum: A heavily populated urban area characterized by substandard housing, poor sanitation, and lack of infrastructure, often synonymous with shanty towns.