"Urbanization as organized crime? On social mobilization processes in Lahore and Karachi."

Crossroads Asia Lecture by Katja Mielke, 11 am at ZEF in Bonn

Drawing on data from 2012 fieldwork, the presentation will use five case study vignettes from low income areas ('katchi abadis') in Lahore and Karachi to highlight the variety, complexity and co-implications of urbanization dynamics and social mobilization processes in urban agglomerations of Pakistan. The material provides insights into aspects of local dwellers’ agency, the differences in mobilization dynamics prevalent in both cities, the role of the government and its local representatives, and the role of civil society actors. The data scrutinizes the dominant interpretations and concepts of urbanization. Subsequently it will be suggested that urbanization in its ontological content needs to be redefined to take account of social differences, struggles and bargaining.

Time and place: Dec 5, 2012, 11 am. at ZEF, Bonn. Right conference room (ground floor).