ABSTRACT
The introductory chapter of our book provides an overview of the evolving discourse surrounding urban informality and resilience. Critics argue that traditional perspectives on urban informality often reflect a narrow, Western-centric lens, failing to capture the complexity and diversity of informal urban practices worldwide. However, this chapter highlights a shift towards a more nuanced and structuralist understanding of urban informality in the Global South, driven by pioneering works that illuminate the power dynamics inherent in urban discourse. We explore how scholars have employed theoretical lenses such as Bakhtin's dialogism to unpack and challenge assumptions about informality, shedding light on the adaptive strategies and dynamic nature of informal settlements.
Moreover, we argue that informality not only represents a phenomenon but also a principle and practice embedded within everyday life in urban environments. By examining the interplay between informality and resilience, we uncover the transformative potential of informal practices in shaping inclusive and sustainable urban futures. Drawing upon diverse case studies from the Global South, this chapter presents a radical approach to resilience grounded in urban informality in the Global South.
We propose a conceptual framework comprising four dominant positions of dialogue – Parasitic, Hegemonic, Transgression, and Symbiosis – to delineate the landscape of urban informality and its implications for resilience. Through this framework, we strive for an alternative understanding of urban informality in the Global South, advancing debates on global and comparative urbanisms. By foregrounding the agency of marginalised communities and highlighting the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, our chapter offers a nuanced and contextually sensitive approach to understanding urban informality and resilience.
Finally, we outline the book's organisation into three thematic sections. These sections provide a deeper exploration of the thematic focus and conceptual framework introduced earlier. Through a detailed examination of case studies and theoretical perspectives, each section delves into specific aspects of urban informality, resilience, and dialogue, offering valuable insights into the dynamics shaping the contemporary urban environment.
