Social Capital: Higher Resilience in Slums in the Lagos Metropolis. Sustainability 2021, 13, 3879. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/su13073879.
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Date
2021
Authors
Obaitor, O
Lawanson, T
Stellmas, M
Lakes, T
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
mdpo
Abstract
Different slums exhibit different levels of resilience against the threat of eviction. However, little is known about the role of the social capital of the slum community in this context. This study investigates the factors contributing to slum resilience in the Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria, through a social capital lens. This study first investigates land allocation in slums, then the available social capital, and subsequently how this capital influences resilience to the threat of eviction in slums. Data were collected in two slum communities, in Lagos, through in-depth interviews and focus groups
discussion. This study shows that land allocation is done by the traditional heads, contrarily to the mandate of the Nigeria Land Use Act of 1978. Furthermore, there is a form of structural social capital through the presence of government registered community development associations in the slums; however, their activities, decision-making process and the perception of the residents’ towards their respective associations, differs. This led to differences in trust, social cohesion and bonding ties among residents of the slum, thereby influencing resilience to the threat of eviction in slums. Since community group associations, through the appointed executives, drive the efficient utilization of social capital in slums, this study therefore recommends their restructuring in order to support a sustainable solution to the threat of eviction in slums in Lagos.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Social capital , Community group , Community action , Resilience , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES
Citation
Obaitor, O.S.; Lawanson, T.O.; Stellmes, M.; Lakes, T. Social Capital: Higher Resilience in Slums in the Lagos Metropolis. Sustainability 2021, 13, 3879. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/su13073879.