(copied from http://www.wolvo.net/gallery/v/Mumbai+Slum+Dwellers_001/)I focused on the aspect of Family and Adaptive Strategies. The aspect of family provided clues as to why certain residents of the slums continue to remain. For example, some people are strongly rooted in the slums. Their homes and means of income have been passed down from grandparents to parents to the current generation. They consider it a good way of living. They can be close to work, for which they get paid very little, and their living expenses are affordable. In a workshop for Asha in Seattle, Rahul explained, "Since these are illegal settlements on encroached public land, they do not pay the basic or civil utilities taxes expected from any legal settlements in a city" (Rahul, 2006).
(copied from http://www.wolvo.net/gallery/v/Mumbai+Slum+Dwellers_001/)They consider this a good way of living as it was taught to them. The aspect of adaptive strategies comes into play as they continue to adapt to the changes around them. Some families have lost their homes without any warning as the government bulldozes them while they are at work. How are they adapting to such treatment? What are they doing to rebuild their lives? Why do they choose to stay in these situations?
