Social work practice in slums

Areas that are over-crowed with dilapidated structures, faultily laid out and lacking in essential services are generally termed as slums. Slums are considered as the physical and social expression of inequalities in the distribution of the benefit of economic growth. Slums is neglected parts of the cities where housing and living conditions are appallingly lacking. Slums range from high density, squalid central city tenements to spontaneous squatter settlements without legal recognition or rights, sprawling at the edge of cities. This article focuses on the causes behind the development of slums and the problems that slum dwellers face and the role of social work intervention in helping the slum dwellers to face the problems. Theoretical Explanations are also outlined. Finally, some recommendations for addressing the issue are highlighted.