Female migrants in an urban setting -- the dimensions of spatial / physical adaptation. The case of Dhaka
Huq-hussain, S.
Habitat International 20(1): 93-107
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0197-3975 PMID: 12347824 Document Number: 304908
This study determines the settlement and social adjustment patterns among female migrants in Dhaka. Data were obtained from a survey conducted among migrant households in selected slums of Dhaka during 1988-90. The sample covers three zones: old, central, and peripheral. It includes 399 migrant households, which were drawn randomly among 2.5% of the poor in the city's 75 wards. Findings include a description of initial settlement patterns, housing construction materials and the organization of housing, floor space, basic facilities, type of structure, ownership, monthly rent, women's role in housing construction, choice of location, and changes in location. Findings suggest that migrants initially experienced housing shortages. Women did not have much choice and settled in highly congested areas. Relatives and friends provided assistance upon arrival. Most arrivals lived in high-density spaces with few amenities. The close contact and use of communal facilities fostered social adjustment and knowledge of urban living patterns. Length of migrant stay was associated with better housing conditions in the type of structure, access to utilities, and floor space. Long-term migrants had greater mobility and choice in housing. New migrants faced exploitation in rents and eviction problems. 63% of migrants lived in rental houses, and 37% lived rent-free. Monthly rent accounted for about 25% of total family income; food accounted for another 20%. Almost 25% of migrants lived in self-built structures on government land. 66% of slum housing was constructed of poor materials. 18% of slum dwellers lived in extremely poor housing of low height and built with flimsy materials. About 38% of slum population lived in bamboo sheds of normal height. 42% lived in tin shed structures. Most migrants lived in single-room bamboo structures.