Slum Development Patterns by Corbin Shepherd

Slum Development Patterns explores why informal settlements persist despite urban planning efforts.
The book examines the socio-economic and political factors driving slum development, arguing it's a predictable outcome of specific conditions, not a random occurrence.
It's crucial for understanding urban poverty, migration patterns, and housing policy, especially in the developing world where rapid urbanization fuels the growth of these settlements.
One intriguing insight is how inadequate land tenure security often exacerbates the problem.

The book progresses from establishing a theoretical framework rooted in urban economics and political science to systematically analyzing key drivers like poverty, unemployment, and rural-to-urban migration.
It delves into housing policies, evaluating their effectiveness in providing affordable housing and upgrading existing slums, and uses case studies to support its arguments.
The book highlights the need for integrated approaches to address the root causes of slum development, emphasizing connections to public health, environmental sustainability, and social justice.