title: Prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income informal settlements of Dhaka - A community approach

authors: Rahman, Sowmen

abstract: This thesis focuses on the prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city. Numerous research findings show that low-income communities of Dhaka are living in the hazard prone areas with poor housing, sanitation and drainage facilities. These communities are at high risk of predicted climate change impacts and may be unable to avoid the direct and indirect impacts of climatic disasters. Most of the houses are below the ground level of Dhaka city and remain inundated after heavy rainfall or flood. In this context, this research undertook a community approach to explore the required measures for building climate resilience in the infrastructures of low-income settlements. Special attention was given on the impacts of heavy rainfall and storms and how they affect the infrastructure system.

This study selected Beguntila slum and New Purba Kurmitola Camp as a sample after carefully evaluating the selection criteria for this research.  To derive information from the field, this study applied qualitative data collection techniques. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted on both slums to get a primary idea about the vulnerabilities of these slums. In this study, separate male and female focus group discussions were conducted in both slums. Ten key community experts were also selected for the key informant interviews. Drawing on qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, this study examines the infrastructural vulnerabilities of these slums due to climate change impacts. It then identifies the root causes for these vulnerabilities. Finally, it outlines the required measures for establishing climate resilient infrastructure in these settlements. 

The findings demonstrate that the key reason for these vulnerabilities on infrastructure due to heavy rainfall is inefficiency of current drainage system in the slum areas. This situation becomes even worse in absence of a functioning sewerage system. The tin-shed houses were found to be very weak and unable to withstand strong winds during storms. It was also found that electric poles could collapse on tin-shed houses and roads causing injuries to slum dwellers. The analysis finds that poverty is the most impeding factor for the advancement of the slum infrastructure. To conclude, the study urges the need for collective effort by government and NGOs to address the issues and take a range of structural and non-structural measures to build climate resilience in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city.

text: Prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income informal settlements of Dhaka - A community approach This thesis focuses on the prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city. Numerous research findings show that low-income communities of Dhaka are living in the hazard prone areas with poor housing, sanitation and drainage facilities. These communities are at high risk of predicted climate change impacts and may be unable to avoid the direct and indirect impacts of climatic disasters. Most of the houses are below the ground level of Dhaka city and remain inundated after heavy rainfall or flood. In this context, this research undertook a community approach to explore the required measures for building climate resilience in the infrastructures of low-income settlements. Special attention was given on the impacts of heavy rainfall and storms and how they affect the infrastructure system.

This study selected Beguntila slum and New Purba Kurmitola Camp as a sample after carefully evaluating the selection criteria for this research.  To derive information from the field, this study applied qualitative data collection techniques. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted on both slums to get a primary idea about the vulnerabilities of these slums. In this study, separate male and female focus group discussions were conducted in both slums. Ten key community experts were also selected for the key informant interviews. Drawing on qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, this study examines the infrastructural vulnerabilities of these slums due to climate change impacts. It then identifies the root causes for these vulnerabilities. Finally, it outlines the required measures for establishing climate resilient infrastructure in these settlements. 

The findings demonstrate that the key reason for these vulnerabilities on infrastructure due to heavy rainfall is inefficiency of current drainage system in the slum areas. This situation becomes even worse in absence of a functioning sewerage system. The tin-shed houses were found to be very weak and unable to withstand strong winds during storms. It was also found that electric poles could collapse on tin-shed houses and roads causing injuries to slum dwellers. The analysis finds that poverty is the most impeding factor for the advancement of the slum infrastructure. To conclude, the study urges the need for collective effort by government and NGOs to address the issues and take a range of structural and non-structural measures to build climate resilience in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city.

year: 2018

title: Hegemonic Whiteness: An Autoethnographic Examination

authors: Chulainn Mabbett-Sowerby, Mabbett-Sowerby

abstract: Whiteness is a hegemonic force in New Zealand society. It is responsible for perpetuating racial discrimination against Māori and other ethnic minority groups. The core argument of this thesis, is that discussions concerning racial equity need to focus on hegemonic whiteness, as opposed to racial discrimination in order to make more visible where the responsibility for social change to achieve racial equality lies. In order to demonstrate the need for this specific emphasis this thesis highlights nuanced experiences of hegemonic whiteness through the use of autoethnography as a research methodology. An autoethnographic approach was used as a means of grounding the literature in lived experiences, and resisting the dominance of empirical research methodologies in educational settings. The literature reviewed was an in-depth investigation of texts concerning hegemony and  whiteness. Taking a story-telling approach, the literature concerning hegemony was examined so as to show some of Gramsci’s life and thought, before detailing the notion of hegemony itself. The literature on whiteness was drawn from critical and tribal race theory. Literature was also reviewed that demonstrated how the concept of whiteness exists embedded within New Zealand’s context as a result of colonisation. Whiteness as hegemony, was made clear through a discussion highlighting the way in which white norms and values are dominant within New Zealand society, and are thus hegemonic. In order to challenge the normalising influence of whiteness within power structures links to policy were made, to highlight the influence of hegemonic whiteness, within political institutions. Overall this thesis argues that it is imperative to foster a more equitable and inclusive society, which can only occur if hegemonic whiteness is acknowledged and addressed by the dominant group in society.

text: Hegemonic Whiteness: An Autoethnographic Examination Whiteness is a hegemonic force in New Zealand society. It is responsible for perpetuating racial discrimination against Māori and other ethnic minority groups. The core argument of this thesis, is that discussions concerning racial equity need to focus on hegemonic whiteness, as opposed to racial discrimination in order to make more visible where the responsibility for social change to achieve racial equality lies. In order to demonstrate the need for this specific emphasis this thesis highlights nuanced experiences of hegemonic whiteness through the use of autoethnography as a research methodology. An autoethnographic approach was used as a means of grounding the literature in lived experiences, and resisting the dominance of empirical research methodologies in educational settings. The literature reviewed was an in-depth investigation of texts concerning hegemony and  whiteness. Taking a story-telling approach, the literature concerning hegemony was examined so as to show some of Gramsci’s life and thought, before detailing the notion of hegemony itself. The literature on whiteness was drawn from critical and tribal race theory. Literature was also reviewed that demonstrated how the concept of whiteness exists embedded within New Zealand’s context as a result of colonisation. Whiteness as hegemony, was made clear through a discussion highlighting the way in which white norms and values are dominant within New Zealand society, and are thus hegemonic. In order to challenge the normalising influence of whiteness within power structures links to policy were made, to highlight the influence of hegemonic whiteness, within political institutions. Overall this thesis argues that it is imperative to foster a more equitable and inclusive society, which can only occur if hegemonic whiteness is acknowledged and addressed by the dominant group in society.

year: 2023

title: Understanding ‘higher’ Māori fertility in a ‘low’ fertility context: Does cultural identity make a difference?

authors: Rarere, Moana

subjects: Maori fertility

abstract: The Māori fertility transition brought an end to decades of very high fertility rates, and a convergence towards long-term fertility levels similar to Pākehā/New Zealand European women. However, important differences endure. The Māori total fertility rate (TFR) remains above replacement level, and Māori women have children earlier and over a longer period. All of this has and still is occurring in a society that facilitates and favours low fertility and small family sizes. Using births data and cultural identity markers in the New Zealand Census, this paper explores the influence of culture as a contributing factor to higher fertility outcomes amongst Māori women in a low-fertility society.

text: Understanding ‘higher’ Māori fertility in a ‘low’ fertility context: Does cultural identity make a difference? The Māori fertility transition brought an end to decades of very high fertility rates, and a convergence towards long-term fertility levels similar to Pākehā/New Zealand European women. However, important differences endure. The Māori total fertility rate (TFR) remains above replacement level, and Māori women have children earlier and over a longer period. All of this has and still is occurring in a society that facilitates and favours low fertility and small family sizes. Using births data and cultural identity markers in the New Zealand Census, this paper explores the influence of culture as a contributing factor to higher fertility outcomes amongst Māori women in a low-fertility society.

year: 2018