ABSTRACT
This chapter develops a critical framework to examine urban space and informal work in Global South cities. To do this, this chapter introduces three key theoretical concepts that provide a basis for developing arguments in the empirical chapters later. Using conceptualisations of space including Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space, this chapter argues that while Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space can be utilised to explain the planning and development practices of many Global South cities, the idea of the production of a counter-space is more relevant to some cities than others and can be used in explaining poor people’s creation of informality. The urban poor’s continued contested occupation of public space, for informal income generating, can be explained using this idea of counter-space. This chapter also outlines the theoretical concept of the right to the city. Particular attention is paid to the components of the right to participation in decision-making processes and the right to appropriate space. Following this, a gendered division of labour in accessing space shows how men’s and women’s access to public space are constrained in different ways, where women’s access is constrained by social norms in addition to legal barriers.
Using the literature of space and informal economies, I argue informal economic activities are important livelihood options for the urban poor regardless of a negative view towards informal economies in many parts of the world. This is particularly important in a megacity like Dhaka where the government cannot provide employment opportunities for all.
