Exploring the relationship between social safety, social security, and their influence on quality of life in informal settlements

Abstract

The global emergence of informal or squatter settlements, as highlighted by UNHABITAT (2022), represents a critical challenge in modern times. These settlements, characterized by inadequate housing, limited public services, and insufficient rights protections, reflect the growing complexities of urban poverty and migration (Sandoval & Sarmiento, 2018; Niva et al., 2019). Typically found in neglected areas, these settlements lack formal building regulations and oversight, resulting in inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of access to water and sanitation (UN-HABITAT, 2022). Rapid urban population growth, coupled with the influx of migrants in search of affordable housing, exacerbates social vulnerabilities, including limited access to essential services, increased risk of disease, and unemployment (Gonzalez, 2021). This lack of basic infrastructure and formal oversight not only undermines the residents' access to essential services but also significantly impacts their sense of safety and overall quality of life. For instance, people who feel safe and secure in their environment typically experience a higher quality of life; conversely, those who feel unsafe or insecure may face lower well-being, marked by increased stress, anxiety, and isolation (Kemme et al., 2021). Poor safety conditions, especially in poverty-stricken areas, have been linked with lower quality of life, highlighting the need for safe living conditions (Zainal et al., 2012). Moreover, fulfilling safety and security needs is essential for achieving a good quality of life (Young et al., 2021). In this regard, Abu Bakar & Osman (2022) consider that adequate electricity, affordable housing, and financial stability contribute to a better quality of life. Addressing these issues, particularly in informal settlements, requires prioritizing social safety and social security as pivotal elements in urban development strategies. Numerous disciplines have generated a robust body of literature on safety and security; however, this intersection often presents conceptual challenges, as the two terms frequently overlap (Bieder & Pettersen, 2020). These concepts also face difficulties in cross-cultural translation, with translations potentially introducing further ambiguities and overlaps. For example, the Norwegian term 'samfunnssikkerhet' is translated into English as 'societal safety.' At the same time, in German, the word 'Sicherheit' and 'byezopastnost' in Russian are translated as 'societal security' (Høyland, 2018; Boustras & Waring, 2020). Moreover, the definitions of 'safety' and 'security' differ depending on contexts and specialized communities. In some languages, like German and Spanish, a single term is used to represent both concepts, which can lead to potential ambiguities and interpretations (Kriaa et al., 2015).