Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the Zongo are marginalized on the basis of religion and autochthony or nativeness. It shows how marginalized groups draw on their historical and socioeconomic toolbox and global linkages to deal with marginalization. The book looks into the past and present cultural narratives of Asmara, Eritrea, and their impact on its urban landscape. It considers the case study of Jos City, Nigeria, to examine claims to urban space and place on the basis of autochthony, ethnicity, and religious identity. The book discusses the rise, fall, and reemergence of Ponte City, a massive 54-story residential tower in one of Johannesburg, South Africa's most crime-ridden suburbs of Hillbrow. It examines South African informal settlement residents' experience of informality as it relates to citizenship. The book tackles the role of sex work in the urban livelihoods of Nigerian cities.