Why have slums been called slums of hope?

Answer 1

Slums are often quoted as slums of hope or slums of dispair depending on the conditions it actually is in. They are called slums of hope because they allow people living in the slums to transit into a better lifestyle with time given the economic opportunities to propel forward.

One example would be Dharavi in Mumbai where the the informal economy provides jobs for the biggest slum in Asia. It has created an estimated 5000 businesses and 15000 single room factories (wiki). Also the recycling industry is quite famous for the Dharavi's 13th compound a place where over 8-% of Mumbai's waste is given a new lease of life. It is know as the 'Dharavi's Recycling Miracle', the ecological heart of Mumbai, recycling up to 85% of all waste materials produced by the ciity. This is a pertinent example of how a slum provides jobs for the dwellers, giving them a hope of a possible climb up the social ladder with time. There are many more examples of how slums have given people a new lease of life, a life better from being in a state of homelessness - coined by geographers as a state in which one lacks a permanent roof.

Answer 2

Despair is a human emotion where you can't see a way out of a bad or sad situation. That is how many people feel if they live in a slum. Not enough money, possibly no job, certainly not a good one, quite possible with a chronic illness. That's a common situation for many people and modern society and big government have few answers and little sympathy.

Answer 3

Slums have been called "slums of hope" because despite the challenges they face, they often serve as hubs of creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness for many residents. People living in slums often demonstrate resilience, community support, and entrepreneurship as they strive to improve their living conditions and create opportunities for themselves. The term highlights the potential for positive change and development within these communities.