Realities of life and housing in a poor neighbourhood in urban China: Livelihoods and vulnerabilities in Shanghai Lane, Wuhan

Abstract

A market-oriented housing principle has been operated in China for more than ten years, but not until recently has the Chinese government officially admitted that relying solely on the market is inefficient with regard to housing provision for people living in poverty. Most development discourse in China has taken place at the macro level, based largely on quantitative data and progress indicators which fail to present the realities of life for ordinary men and women in the very complex social, physical and economic settings prevailing in urban China. This article employs a comprehensive and people-centred approach – the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) - to present information about a group of low-income households in a poor neighbourhood with a focus on their current dwellings, vulnerability, limited livelihood assets and coping strategies. The article suggests an alternative, people-centred, pro-poor approach for policy makers concerned with poor neighbourhoods, which will greatly reduce residen...