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Housing, Memory, and Daily Life in Haiti: Critical Caribbean Studies

George R.R. Martin

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Published in Urban Dwellings Haitian Citizenships: Housing Memory And Daily Life In Haiti (Critical Caribbean Studies)

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Urban Dwellings, Haitian Citizenships: Housing, Memory, and Daily Life in Haiti (Critical Caribbean Studies)

by Vincent Joos

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13256 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

Housing is a fundamental human need, but it is also a powerful social and political force. In Haiti, housing has been used as a tool of control and oppression, as well as a source of resistance and empowerment. This book explores the role of housing in shaping the memories and daily lives of Haitians, drawing on interdisciplinary research to examine how housing has been used to create and maintain social hierarchies, and how it has been used to challenge and resist these hierarchies.

Housing and the State

The Haitian state has played a major role in shaping the housing landscape of the country. In the early years of independence, the state sought to promote homeownership among the black population, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful. In the 20th century, the state shifted its focus to urban renewal and slum clearance, which resulted in the displacement of thousands of Haitians. In recent years, the state has taken a more hands-off approach to housing, but it continues to play a role in regulating the housing market and providing housing assistance to the poor.

Housing and the Market

The housing market in Haiti is characterized by high levels of informality and speculation. A majority of Haitians live in informal settlements, which are often located in hazardous areas and lack basic services. The formal housing market is dominated by a small number of wealthy families, who own a majority of the land and property in the country. This concentration of ownership has led to high housing costs and a shortage of affordable housing.

Housing and Social Inequality

Housing is a major source of social inequality in Haiti. The gap between the rich and the poor is reflected in the housing conditions of the two groups. The wealthy live in large, well-maintained homes in gated communities, while the poor live in crowded, dilapidated slums. This disparity in housing conditions has a significant impact on the health, education, and well-being of Haitians.

Housing and Resistance

Despite the challenges they face, Haitians have a long history of using housing to resist oppression and empower themselves. In the 19th century, slaves used housing to create communities and build a sense of belonging. In the 20th century, urban squatters used housing to challenge the state's authority and demand better living conditions. In recent years, Haitian activists have used housing to promote social change and create more just and equitable communities.

Housing is a complex and multifaceted issue in Haiti. It is a fundamental human need, but it is also a powerful social and political force. This book has explored the role of housing in shaping the memories and daily lives of Haitians, drawing on interdisciplinary research to examine how housing has been used to create and maintain social hierarchies, and how it has been used to challenge and resist these hierarchies. The book concludes by arguing that housing is a key site of struggle in Haiti, and that it is essential to understand the role of housing in order to create a more just and equitable future for the country.

Urban Dwellings, Haitian Citizenships: Housing, Memory, and Daily Life in Haiti (Critical Caribbean Studies)

by Vincent Joos

4.4 out of 5