Perceptions of Secure Life Space: Socio-spatial Change of Informal Households in Urban Zimbabwe

Taking the basic social unit of the household as a point of departure, this research reviews two complex, yet interrelated variables of the land-housing debate. Firstly, the perception of the home centring on the meaning of security of the territorial base of the family and the community; and secondly, the momentum it gives to spatial occupation, dwelling consolidation, use of space and development of home-based enterprise. The investigation of spatial consolidation processes from macro to micro-levels offers a valuable insightas to how people claim and access their right toland. This reveals the skills people use to producedemocratic spaces within their home, neighbourhoodand settlement regarding varying levels of perceived secure life space. This can lead to more sensitiveand supportive housing policy responses regardingurban land reform. The research is based on hearingand discovering the reality from the urban poorthemselves. The exploration follows the life storiesof 8 families during 2001 to 2003 in socio-spatialdetail, within two highly contested settlements inHatcliffe, on the northern periphery of Harare, Zimbabwe.