ABSTRACT
Chapter 7, “The Draw of the city: Looking ahead”, brings the book to its conclusion. The book sets out our empirical findings from our three-year fieldwork project undertaken in the slums of Delhi. The data were gathered in many different formats – mapping, household surveys, film, conjoint experiments, case studies, interviews, workshops – to answer the objectives from different triangulating perspectives. This chapter summarises the three parts of our book. The first part looks at how different neighbourhood types can affect the lives of those living within them. The second part considers the types of projects and interactions carried out by individuals that may benefit themselves as well as their communities. The governance structures and institutions are explored. The results of a conjoint experiment are reviewed to show how and why residents choose and elect brokers who assist in this local action for change. The third part, using observations from the streets, sets out the studies around entrepreneurial spirit and dynamism. A view of the city from within provides stories of resilience and community solutions. Our project brings a snapshot of the intricate workings of urban life in Delhi slums. We aim to inform public discourse by having been allowed to venture into the rich tapestry of people's lives, even for a moment.
