Beschreibung
The author explores the dynamic roles and linkages of public sector
institutions and civil society actors in housing provision for the urban
poor in South Africa. Based on actor-centred and network theories, two
cases of civil society alliances are analysed.
This book reveals that existing civil society structures are hybrids that
can oscillate between networks and organisations. Moreover, they establish
informal governance spaces with state actors outside the institutional
channels provided by government.
The emergence of oscillating structures and the informalisation of
horizontal governance represent new challenges for local decision-making
processes. Co-operation and action-oriented approaches in housing
seemingly need to be based on a more detailed understanding of the complex
interfaces, which go far beyond the conventional ideal of partnerships and
participation between sectors.
Astrid Ley is postdoctoral fellow at the Habitat Unit and
lecturer at the Urban Management Studies, Berlin University of Technology.
Her research focus is on urban governance, actor networks, informal
settlement development and housing policy.
