Perceptions of Secure Life Space

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 insight as to how people claim and access their right to land. This reveals the skills people use to produce democratic spaces within their home, neighbourhood and settlement regarding varying levels of perceived secure life space. This can lead to more sensitive and supportive housing policy responses regarding urban land reform. The research is based on hearing and discovering the reality from the urban poor themselves. The exploration follows the life stories of 8 families during 2001 to 2003 in socio-spatial detail, within two highly contested settlements in Hatcliffe, on the northern periphery of Harare, Zimbabwe.