E-Module Chapter 5: E-Module Chapter 5: Informal Settlements

E-Module Chapter 5: Informal Settlements

In this chapter, we introduced key concepts and definitions related to informality and informal settlements from legal, economic, social and political perspectives and explain how informal settlements are connected to insecurity, precarity and other forms of vulnerability. As part of this e-module, we invite you to engage further with the aspects introduced in the textbook .

Consolidating Knowledge

Key Concepts: In this chapter, we introduced you to different definitions of informality, reasons individuals may choose to live in settlements outside the formal housing system, and how these settlements are regulated. Take a moment to check your understanding of key points using this exercise.
Reflection task. Mind Map on Informal Settlements: In chapter 5, we introduce key concepts and definitions related to informality and informal settlements. Create a mind map to get an overview of your knowledge on the topic.

Listening In

PusH Podcast - Episode 7: In this episode of the PusH Podcast, we interview Dr. Lucas Oesch, Principal Investigator for REFUGOV. We discuss the management of reception facilities for asylum seekers in Luxembourg and refugee camps in Jordan.
PusH Podcast - Episode 8: In this episode of the PusH Podcast, we speak with Dr. Nora Teller, Sociologist for the Metropolitan Research Institute, Budapest about the struggles of individuals living in informal settlements in Budapest and other post-socialist Eastern European cities.
External Podcast. Interview with Daria Krivonos on Migrant Farm Workers in Europe and in Finland.
In this Podcast from 'My Dear Kitchen Helsinki', foodblogger Asli talks with Daria Krivonos from the University of Helsinki about agricultural migrant workers in Finland and the EU.

Getting Active

Group Work. The Cuvry Wasteland, an Informal Settlement. In this activity you will discuss the Cuvry wasteland, an informal settlement which existed in Berlin between 2012 and 2014. It was a diverse place, where people lived out of existential need but also to experience with alternative lifestyles.
Group Work. Re-Development Projects in Roma Neighborhoods. The Cases of Görgy telep and Pata Rat: In this group activity you discuss development projects in two Roma neighbourhoods: György telep, situated on the periphery of the town of Pécs, Hungary and Pata Rat, a in the metropolitan city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Research Task. A Walk Through Makako and Iwaya: In this assignment, you take a virtual visit to Makako an Iwaya, two informal settlements in Lagos, Nigeria. Afterward, you will reflect upon your observations and impressions.
Research Task. A Walk Through Stara Zagora: In this task you will learn about evictions, demolitions and the case for environmental justice in informal settlements in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
Research Task. A Walk through Lyukovolgy: In this task you will learn about former allotment gardens which turned into a permanent settlement in the outskirts of the Hungarian city of Miskolc.
Writing Task / Group Work. Agricultural Migrant Workers in Europe. The Case of Campobello di Mazara: In many European Countries agricultural work is done by migrants. In this task you will learn more about their working conditions and how this contributes to the development of precarious informal settlements.
Writing Task. Informal Housing in Peri-Urban Budapest: Learn about former allotment gardens, which transformed into informal housing in Budapest.
Writing Task. Informális lakhatás Budapest peremvidéken: Learn about former allotment gardens, which transformed into informal housing in Budapest (Task is in Hungarian language).

Digging Deeper

Case Study: The Agricultural Ghetto of Campobello di Mazara:
This case study gives testimonies from migrant workers living in the agricultural ghetto of Campobello di Mazara in Sicily, Italy.
Homepage. Research Project 'R-Home': On the homepage of the project "Roma: Housing Opportunities, Mobilisation and Empowerment (R-Home)" you find videos on the situation of Roma and reports on best practices from Italy, Romania, Hungary, France and Spain.
Further Reading. Knowing Urban Informalities: This paper from Colin Marx and Emily Kelling reviews three dominant ways of knowing urban informality and points out the limitations of these existing concepts. It's a great overview and introduction to the topic!
Further Reading. Between Bare Life and Everyday Life: Spatializing Europe's Migrant Camps: This article from Irit Katz takes a closer look at three migrant camps in northern France and examines the connection between formal and informal camps.
Video. Animated Shortfilm on Systemic Racism Against the Roma in Hungary: This animated film, produced by the Hungarian Rosa Parks Foundation, discusses from a historical perspective why Roma suffer from disadvantages in education, housing, employment and health care, and live in deeper poverty than Non-Roma citizens.
Video. The 'Jungle of Calais': This short documentary gives an insight into the 'Jungle of Calais', one of central Europes most famous informal settlement for transit migrants.
Video. The informal settlement of Pata-Rât, Romania: This documentary takes a closer look at the informal settlement of of Pata-Rât in Romania. Additionally, check this task to deepen your knowledge on the topic.
Video. Roma Voices Around Europe: This documentary, created by Federación de Asociaciones Gitanas de Catalunya (FAGIC), tells the stories of Roma people from France, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Romania.

Last modified: Wednesday, 12 October 2022, 12:14 PM