Homelessness as Active Housing

The homeless form the most inconspicuous category within migration studies. Based on research among the homeless in Mumbai, the chapter interrogates the category of homelessness to problematise the established and dominant notions with which the migrants in the city are understood, especially in relation to housing. Homelessness adds layers to informal and precariat housing for most migrants, and homelessness is a ‘learnt’ or ‘taught’ condition. Their spatial arrangements enable them to survive harsh living conditions and help them consolidate their gains. For such migrants, homelessness is construed as active housing, propelled through familial ties and social relationships. Homelessness as active housing is the endeavour of the severely underpaid working force to house themselves informally in the face of acute poverty and an ever-shrinking welfare safety net. In addition, the claiming of spaces and identity through active housing by homeless migrants can be seen as the assertion of the poor as citizens.