In Egypt, the eradication of informal housing is a cornerstone of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s urban development agenda. While prevailing state narratives portray the demolition and relocation...Show moreIn Egypt, the eradication of informal housing is a cornerstone of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s urban development agenda. While prevailing state narratives portray the demolition and relocation of informal settlements as positive advancements, a critical examination of the broader political and economic dynamics driving urban development policies challenge these portrayals. Characterisations of informal communities as hotbeds for criminality and extremism serve the dual purpose of rationalising their destruction while bolstering al-Sisi’s image as a hero in the ‘war on terror,’ a strategy central to fortifying his disputed legitimacy. The removal of informal settlements in strategic locations allows the government to capitalise on the newly vacated land and attract investment capital to remedy adverse effects of the mismanaged economy. Additionally, the military, deeply entrenched in the economy, stands to benefit from these development strategies and the neoliberal authoritarian governance enforcing them. The ongoing conversion of the agricultural island of al-Warraq into upscale ‘Horus Island’ is taken as a case study to exemplify these patterns, foregrounding the voice and agency of affected residents while employing Henri Lefevbre’s concept of a “right to the city” and Asef Bayat’s notion of a “quiet encroachment of the ordinary.” A critical examination of the political, economic, and social consequences of al-Sisi’s urban development approach underscores the need for an ongoing re-appraisal of informal development by Egyptian policymakers, within academia, and policy recommendations by international organisations.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
This research focuses on the analysis of the forms of human-environment relationship that characterize different communities in the coastal area of North Jakarta, and on how these might be...Show moreThis research focuses on the analysis of the forms of human-environment relationship that characterize different communities in the coastal area of North Jakarta, and on how these might be connected to inequalities between local communities. In North Jakarta, relationship with the environment is strongly affected by the presence of environmental issues, namely sea level rise, land subsidence, and chronic floods, which force local communities to come to terms with the surrounding waters on a daily basis, developing different experiences and perceptions of the environment. Moreover, such different experiences and perceptions are connected to political struggles related to the protection of the Jakarta bay ecosystem, the livelihood of fishing communities, and mitigation projects such as the construction of a giant seawall and of reclaimed islands off the coast of the city. The research population includes residents of four different neighbouring districts located along the coast of the Indonesian capital. Despite being so close to each other, these are very different areas, home to fish markets, fishing settlements and industries, luxurious residential areas, shining malls and exclusive leisure spaces. These districts are inhabited by very different communities in terms of social class, income, lifestyle, occupation, and ethnicity. Therefore, they are an ideal field to observe diverse forms of human-environment relationship, and to test to what extent could these be related to the above-mentioned inequalities and to different ontologies of the environment.Show less
Luxury for some, is a limitation for others – this is the inspiration of this paper which studies the role of luxury real estate and gated communities on the less fortunate within the urban...Show moreLuxury for some, is a limitation for others – this is the inspiration of this paper which studies the role of luxury real estate and gated communities on the less fortunate within the urban population of Accra, Ghana. This thesis attempts to understand the historical past of Ghana and the post-colonial roots of current urban development that has led to an intense contest for urban space, inciting disparity and displacement within the city of Accra. An evaluation of policy and investment strategy is studied to understand the vision of the state and its steps towards realising it. Methods to do this include using theories and articles focussing on urban dynamics within and outside Accra that can be used to understand the complex web of issues that Accra’s urban poor is within the housing crisis. Case studies in neighbourhoods such as Nima are used to show concrete examples of the theoretical conclusions made. To prevent the progress of urban development from creating more disparity this paper suggests a change in the understanding of current policy and development strategies by focussing on the colonial and cultural heritage of current urban developments. In addition, reforming policy that prioritise the urban poor, avoiding pitfalls of pilot studies and past attempts in providing adequate housing for the less fortunate. In conclusion, to change the future of this current crisis in urban development there is a need to take two steps back to set one better step forward.Show less
This thesis gives an overview of programs used by the Government of India, from independence until today, to improve conditions in the country's slums and critically analyzes the contents of India...Show moreThis thesis gives an overview of programs used by the Government of India, from independence until today, to improve conditions in the country's slums and critically analyzes the contents of India's current urban poverty alleviation and slum improvement program, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All). The aim of this analysis not only is to determine how well India's slum improvement policies help to improve the conditions in slums, but specifically how well these policies address the determinants of health in slums. The thesis argues that although in theory slum improvement programs can have a positive influence on determinants of health and well-being, in India, implementation of programs has been fraught with challenges and it is unlikely this will change anytime soon. A lack of political will seems to be one major reason for the absence of large-scale improvements in living conditions in India's slums.Show less
In recent decades many European city centers have been (re)developed to accommodate the exponential growth of inhabitants. Roman remains are regularly discovered during construction processes, and...Show moreIn recent decades many European city centers have been (re)developed to accommodate the exponential growth of inhabitants. Roman remains are regularly discovered during construction processes, and their careful excavation can delay construction projects significantly. The 1992 European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage attempted to ensure the protection of archaeological heritage during urban (re)development. This has led to a rather strained relationship between urban planners and heritage managers. Better cooperation between these two stakeholders is necessary. In this thesis, key theories and concepts to improve cooperation are explored. On the basis of a mutual understanding of the similarities and differences between sociocultural and economic values, common ground can be found by the different stakeholders. Furthermore, sustainable tourism is an important concept. Recently an immense growth in cultural heritage tourism has occurred, also stimulated by the World Heritage List. Roman remains are among the most popular attractions, and are well represented on the List. Sustainable tourism is crucial to ensure long-term profit and minimal deterioration of cultural heritage. To create sustainable tourism in city centers, the theories of the ‘heritagescape’ and of the ‘experience economy’ are crucial. Attempting to create sustainable tourism in city centers with Roman remains is what will bring heritage managers and urban planners closer together. It is a common goal in which both these stakeholders’ values are represented. An investigation was conducted which consisted of a literature research and a field research. On the basis of a number of theories, the importance of sustainable heritage tourism was investigated from economic, social, and cultural perspectives. Important topics such as stakeholders, valuation, international legislation, and experience value are explored and explained. Field research was conducted in Rome (Italy), Bath (United Kingdom), and Cologne (Germany). It consisted of explorations of these city centers and interviews with the on-site heritage managers and project leaders. The information gathered was then analyzed. International regulations and valuations always need to be considered. However, through a common understanding of valuation systems of archaeological heritage it is easier to discuss the wants and needs of different stakeholders. Sustainable heritage tourism is beneficial for many parties, and represents many values. It can be created through applying the ‘heritagescape’ and the ‘experience economy’ theories. Fruitful cooperation between urban planners and heritage managers can be created by focusing on the common goal of creating sustainable heritage tourism.Show less
