Nora Rafea

Abstract

This study investigates the livelihood coping strategies of women heads of households in Cairo’s informal settlements. Its research problem centers on the premise that urban poverty is underestimated in Egypt, in addition, the growing rate of ‘urbanization’ is increasing the vulnerability of women heads of households. The study is focused on Cairo’s informal areas as they represent a shelter for millions of rural migrants to the city. Informal areas in Cairo generally called “ashwa’eyat” in Arabic are either stigmatized or rationalized, yet, the nature of their informality and proximity to the urban center, and sometimes, even government establishments make them a unique source for inquiry. The main research question that is posed by this research is an attempt to understand the impact of the vulnerable context on the livelihood coping strategies of women heads of households in those spaces that are autonomous from the state. This question is important in light of a historical moment in the Egypt that is challenging the relationship between the state and society, and the choice of this specific group is important because women face “double marginalization” in a vulnerable urban context. The thesis is using the sustainable livelihood approach as the foundational theoretical framework in approaching the subject of women heads of households in Cairo’s informal settlements that fits under the bigger context of urban poverty. The study used a qualitative approach in gathering data from Izbet El Haggana, the study area and one of Cairo’s largest informal settlements.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

6-1-2017

Submission Date

May 2017

First Advisor

Elnur, Ibrahim

Committee Member 1

Sunday, James H.

Committee Member 2

Sika, Nadine

Extent

95 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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