SHANTY TOWNS Meaning and
Definition
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Shanty towns, also known as informal settlements or slums, refer to impoverished and densely populated areas characterized by substandard housing conditions and a lack of basic services and infrastructure. They are typically found in urban or peri-urban areas of developing countries, emerging as a result of rapid urbanization, rural-urban migration, and limited access to decent housing.
These areas are usually inhabited by individuals and families who face economic and social exclusion, often living below the poverty line. The housing in shanty towns is largely improvised using salvaged or lightweight construction materials like corrugated iron sheets, plastic, or wood, resulting in flimsy, overcrowded dwellings. The lack of proper sanitation facilities, clean water, electricity, and waste management systems further exacerbates the living conditions.
Shanty towns are characterized by a lack of formal land ownership, with residents often residing on public or private land without legal authorization. They commonly face multiple challenges, including inadequate access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social services. Crime rates and the prevalence of disease can also be high in these areas due to the challenging living conditions.
Efforts to alleviate the conditions of shanty towns often involve government initiatives, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies working towards improving housing, infrastructure, and access to basic services. Upgrading programs aim to provide secure tenure, improve housing quality, and promote community participation, while also integrating shanty towns into the urban fabric and reducing social inequalities.
Common Misspellings for SHANTY TOWNS
- ahanty towns
- zhanty towns
- xhanty towns
- dhanty towns
- ehanty towns
- whanty towns
- sganty towns
- sbanty towns
- snanty towns
- sjanty towns
- suanty towns
- syanty towns
- shznty towns
- shsnty towns
- shwnty towns
- shqnty towns
- shabty towns
- shamty towns
- shajty towns
- shahty towns
Etymology of SHANTY TOWNS
The word "shanty" originated in the 17th century and was originally used to describe a small hut or crude shelter. It is believed to have derived from the Irish word "sean tí", which means "old house".
The term "shanty town" emerged in the 1930s in the United States during the Great Depression. It referred to makeshift settlements or slums where impoverished people built flimsy shanties or shacks using salvaged materials such as wood, metal sheets, and cardboard. These settlements often lacked basic infrastructure and were characterized by poor living conditions.
The etymology of "shanty town" is a combination of "shanty", referring to the huts or shacks, and "town", indicating a settlement or community.
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