shantytown

A shantytown, also known as a slum, squatter settlement, or shanty camp, is an informal urban community typically built on marginal or abandoned land. Residents construct dwellings from readily available or recycled materials, such as corrugated metal, tarpaulins, wood, and plastic. These structures often lack formal planning and may be built on unstable ground, leading to vulnerability to flooding, landslides, or other natural hazards.

Shantytowns frequently arise in response to rapid urban migration, economic inequality, and limited affordable housing. In many developing countries, the expansion of capital cities outpaces the provision of basic services, prompting displaced populations to settle in peri‑urban or rural areas adjacent to the city. In the United States, the term "shantytown" has historically referred to makeshift camps that appeared during the Great Depression and more recently during crises such as the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Key characteristics of shantytowns include overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare. Legal status varies; some settlements exist in a gray zone between official approval and outright illegality, while others are formally recognized but remain poorly serviced. Social networks within these communities can provide mutual aid, but residents also face heightened risks of crime, exploitation, and exploitation by informal economies.

Scholars and humanitarian organizations have debated approaches to address shantytowns. The "upgrade" model seeks to improve existing structures and infrastructure while preserving community ties. Alternatively, "relocation" strategies involve moving residents to planned settlements or subsidized housing. Successful interventions often combine physical upgrades with livelihood programs, education, and participatory governance to empower residents to influence their living conditions.

In contemporary discussions, shantytowns underscore persistent challenges of urban poverty, the need for inclusive housing policies, and the importance of sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with social equity.