Monday, August 8, 2011
UN's definition of a slum dweller.
In the first of the reports that I mentioned in my last post, the definition of a slum dweller is given as an individual who lives in a "slum household." Then a slum household is defined as a group of individuals living under one roof lacking at least one of the following:
- Access to improved water.
- Access to improved sanitation facilities.
- Sufficient living area, not overcrowded.
- Structural quality/durability of dwellings.
- Security of tenure.
At least none of these conditions are ambiguous, NOT! Improved water, compared to what? Improved sanitation facilities, compared to what? Sufficient living area? Structural quality/durability? Security of tenure? Clearly, this definition is not sufficient. In fact, in my opinion the heterogeneity of what are known as "slums" around the world makes it impossible to give a solid definition of what they are. The definition above represents a vain attempt to aggregate a phenomenon that cannot be aggregated, a common mistake in the social sciences.
# posted by Gavinomics : 8:38 AM
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