Slum

Urban population in slums

London slums Wellcome L0000877

Jacob Riis - Bandits' Roost

Jacob Riis, Lodgers in a Crowded Bayard Street Tenement

Poverty map old nichol 1889

Rear of 114 -120 Elizabeth Street

Slums are densely populated urban residential areas consisting mostly of closely packed, decrepit housing units in a situation of deteriorated or incomplete infrastructure, inhabited primarily by impoverished persons. While slums differ in size and other characteristics, most lack reliable sanitation services, supply of clean water, reliable electricity, law enforcement, and other basic services. Slum living conditions are poor and often associated with poverty.

Characteristics

Slums are characterized by urban decay, high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime, especially in rapidly growing cities. Housing in slums may be constructed from any available material including plywood, corrugated metal, and sheets of plastic. Buildings are often overcrowded and lack adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitation facilities. The infrastructure in slums is usually in a state of neglect. Roads, if they exist, are narrow and often unpaved. Access to clean water is limited, and sewage systems are often nonexistent, leading to health issues among the population.

Causes

The formation of slums is a complex phenomenon, influenced by several factors including rapid rural-to-urban migration, economic stagnation and recession, high unemployment rates, poverty, political instability, and lack of planning. People migrate to cities in search of jobs, better living conditions, and educational opportunities but often find cities unprepared to accommodate them. This mismatch between the high demand for housing and the inadequate supply leads to the development of slums.

Consequences

Living in slums has significant impacts on the health and well-being of residents. The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Overcrowding and poor living conditions contribute to increased rates of respiratory conditions, malnutrition, and other health issues. Children growing up in slums often have limited access to education, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Efforts to Improve Slums

Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, and governments have initiated programs to improve living conditions in slums. Efforts include the provision of basic services, such as clean water and sanitation, healthcare, and education. Some programs also focus on slum upgrading, which involves the physical improvement of the slums and legal recognition of the residents' right to live there. However, these efforts face challenges including limited resources, lack of political will, and the sheer scale of slums.

See Also

• Urbanization
• Poverty
• Housing
• Informal settlement