Manar Zaki

Abstract

Cairo's informal garbage collectors known as the zabaleen, have been the subject of a plethora of research. Their communities in Cairo have been acknowledged for producing a high rate of garbage recycling. Nevertheless, the relation of the zabaleen with their surrounding spaces has endured much friction. The cumbersome job of collecting and carrying the trash is situated within the spheres of neoliberal policies adopted by the government, the supporting organizations that have praised and endorsed their existence, and most importantly, the middle class households that have been the source of garbage for the zabaleen. Ironically, the zabaleen's job and presence have been met with much support as well as criticism. The zabaleen's reaction to the neoliberal policies has been illustrated in research and the media as a steadfast stance which has helped them survive several challenges and continue with their daily work of collecting the enormous amount of garbage generated in Cairo. The present study attempts to delineate the zabaleen's existence in Cairo from the viewpoints of the entities that are in contact with the garbage collectors: the government, the nongovernmental organizations and the middle classes of Cairo. The research situates the zabaleen within the neoliberal spatial and temporal trajectory of the urban and through the lens of the middle class.

Department

Cynthia Nelson Institute for Gender and Women's Studies

Degree Name

MA in Gender & Women's Studies

Graduation Date

2-1-2018

Submission Date

September 2017

First Advisor

Rieker, Martina

Committee Member 1

Rizzo, Helen, Tina Jaskolski

Extent

82 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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