THE MAIN SOURCES OF HOUSING FOR THE URBAN POOR
Figure 25.1 provides a general framework for understanding the main sources of housing in the
Third World. Housing is classified as conventional if it is constructed through the medium of recognised formal institutions (e.g. banks and planning authorities) and in accordance with established legal practices and standards. In general this corresponds with an industrial mode of production that utilises wage labour, is capital-intensive and employ relatively sophisticated technology. Non-conventional housing is that which does not comply with established procedures, is usually constructed outside the institutions of the formal building industry, is frequently in contravention of existing legislation, and is almost always unacceptable to prevailing middle-class standards. Production is often through the labour of the individual or household intending to occupy the house, although petty capitalist construction firms also operate within this sector.