Confronting Urban Displacement

Abstract

This article investigates whether urban social movement participation influences post-eviction resettlement success. Pre- and post-eviction interviews were conducted with sixty-four slum dwellers from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, including members of the Tanzania Federation of the Urban Poor (TFUP). The majority of interviewees reported improved post-eviction housing but adverse employment impacts. TFUP membership was negatively associated with employment outcomes, particularly for property owners. Expecting TFUP to secure housing for them, members delayed finding accommodation. This led to resettlement farther from their former homes and negatively affected employment. Women were especially vulnerable following eviction, with their post-eviction pay falling because of the nature and location of their pre-eviction work.