Perceptions of Secure Life Space: Socio-spatial Change of Informal Households in Urban Zimbabwe - Softcover

Ewing, Kathryn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 363906948X ISBN 13: 9783639069488

Publisher: VDM Verlag, 2008

Synopsis

Taking the basic social unit of the household as a point of departure, this research reviews two complex, yet interrelated variables of the land-housing debate. Firstly, the perception of the home centring on the meaning of security of the territorial base of the family and the community; and secondly, the momentum it gives to spatial occupation, dwelling consolidation, use of space and development of home-based enterprise. The investigation of spatial consolidation processes from macro to micro-levels offers a valuable insightas to how people claim and access their right toland. This reveals the skills people use to producedemocratic spaces within their home, neighbourhoodand settlement regarding varying levels of perceived secure life space. This can lead to more sensitiveand supportive housing policy responses regardingurban land reform. The research is based on hearingand discovering the reality from the urban poorthemselves. The exploration follows the life storiesof 8 families during 2001 to 2003 in socio-spatialdetail, within two highly contested settlements inHatcliffe, on the northern periphery of Harare, Zimbabwe.

About this title

About the Author

Kathryn Ewing, Ph.D. studied her postgraduate degree in Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Glasgow(Mackintosh School of Architecture); and her undergraduateArchitectural degrees at the University of Cape Town. Kathryn iscurrently working in Cape Town with a focus on public projects,but continues her research work in Zimbabwe.

About this edition

• Publisher: VDM Verlag
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 363906948X
• ISBN 13: 9783639069488
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 284