Exploring the Dynamics of Social Networks in Urban Informal Settlements: the Case of Mathare Valley, Kenya

Abstract

This paper pilots a different approach to the study of informal settlements, typically conceived as chaotic, disorganised, and lacking social cohesion. We provide a different reading of social life in an informal settlement. While its social life may be different from other parts of the urban metropolis, its social relations are not absent. Through the use of network theory, we will demonstrate that social relations in settlements have developed a considerable level of complexity.Using the case study of Mathare Valley, an informal settlement in Nairobi, we explore the dynamics of social networks with the aim of providing a more integrated understanding of life in slums. Based on survey data, focus groups/workshops and interviews, we established that residents depend on a network of strong, highly familial ties. Life is typically defined by neighbourhood bonds and friendship. This structure underpins the development of referral systems to access services and find work. The settlement has a syncretic governance structure made up of governmental and self-styled leaders who act as gatekeepers to varying degrees. We geocoded data to conduct a more detailed social network analysis, which revealed the positive attributes of networking as opportunities for innovation and forming weaker ties within and beyond the settlement. The negative aspects of strong ties lead to the exclusion of more vulnerable residents. In conclusion, we propose the social networks approach as essential in understanding informal settlements. A holistic understanding of informal settlements will not only overcome narrow conceptions but may also encourage networked thinking for urban planning and design.

The emergence of Urban Community Resilience Initiatives During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Exploratory Study

“…The emergence of bottom-up CRIs is linked to social networks within the community (Morgner et al 2020 ), often also linked to existing CBIs. In some cases, new and existing initiatives crate informal temporary networks to help community members.…”

Neighborhood Cohesion, Perceptions of Disorder, and the Geography of Women’s Fear of Crime in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

“…Villarreal and Silva (2006) conjecture that this may be a result of the specific social process and economic strategies low‐income residents in informal settlements utilize for survival. For example, women in informal settlements are often part of one or more microfinance, lending, or self‐help group as a means of accessing small loans; receiving staple household supplies such as soap, cooking oil, sugar, and flour; learning new skills or a trade; or sharing limited resources with fellow residents (Morgner et al., 2020). In this study for instance, close to 60% of women in the sample were part of at least one group and 45% of those women were part of more than one group.…”

“…Informal settlements have, historically, been marginalized and excluded from most formal services, systems, and protections (Darkey & Kariuki, 2013; Wanjiru & Matsubara, 2017) and, consequently, are often portrayed as highly disorganized, disadvantaged, and anti‐social communities. However, contrary to those assumptions, residents in these communities, especially women, often have widespread social networks and strong social ties and exhibit collective agency through addressing common problems (Morgner et al., 2020). Thus, results from this study, corroborated by findings from other studies focused on social networks and ties in informal settlements (Amuyunzu‐Nyamongo & Ezeh, 2005; Bennett et al., 2015; Morgner et al., 2020), suggest that narratives assuming neighborhood disorder diminishes cohesion in informal settlements may not be accurate.…”

“…However, contrary to those assumptions, residents in these communities, especially women, often have widespread social networks and strong social ties and exhibit collective agency through addressing common problems (Morgner et al., 2020). Thus, results from this study, corroborated by findings from other studies focused on social networks and ties in informal settlements (Amuyunzu‐Nyamongo & Ezeh, 2005; Bennett et al., 2015; Morgner et al., 2020), suggest that narratives assuming neighborhood disorder diminishes cohesion in informal settlements may not be accurate.…”

“…Globally, 20% of the population lives in informal settlements; however, the greatest proportion of individuals living in informal settlements is in sub‐Saharan Africa at 56% (UN Statistics Division, 2020). Given the environmental attributes of informal settlements, these communities are often characterized as chaotic and disorganized and it is assumed that this serves as a driver of residents’ fear of crime and the deterioration of social cohesion, but recent research suggests this may not be an accurate or comprehensive portrait of the social environment in these communities (Morgner et al., 2020).…”