Slumseekers

Slumseekers is a sociological term used to describe individuals or households who deliberately seek residence in urban informal settlements, commonly known as slums. It highlights the role of choice and migration patterns in rapid urbanization, where affordable land and proximity to work draw people into informal housing clusters.

Slumseekers often migrate from rural areas or smaller towns in search of livelihood opportunities. They typically rely on informal housing markets, kin and community networks, and self-help building practices. Housing is usually low-cost or self-constructed, with limited tenure security and uneven access to services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and formal documentation.

Policy discussions around slumseekers focus on upgrading versus regularization, eviction risks, and the rights to housing and basic services. Proponents of upgrading advocate improving infrastructure and tenure for existing settlements, while others emphasize preventive measures for affordable formal housing. The term can be controversial, as it centers on individual agency in contexts of poverty and can carry stigma or misinterpretation.

Researchers use census data, household surveys, and satellite imagery to study slumseekers and inform urban planning. Understanding their movements helps explain urban growth patterns, inform social protection and employment programs, and shape inclusive housing policies.