Social Networks And Urban Survival In Nabutiti Neighbourhood In Kansanga Ward In Kampala City

ABSTRACT The study was conducted to explore the importance of social networks in the survival of the urban poor in Nabutiti in Kansanga Ward. This was after the realisation that the liberalisation of the economy in the late l980s and early 1990s and the rapid urbanisation of Kampala City had left tens of thousands of the city residents in squalid conditions where abject and absolute poverty rule with services going mainly to paying clients following the withdrawal of the state as the principal actor. The study specifically sought to achieve the following objectives: to establish the basis for formation of social networks in Nabititi neighbourhood; and to explore the role of social networks in the survival of the urban poor in Nabititi neighbourhood. To achieve the stated objectives, the study was guided by the following research questions: what is the basis for formation of social networks in Nabititi neighbourhood? What is the role of social networks in the survival of the urban poor in Nabititi neighbourhood? The study design took the form of a case study of social networks and urban survival in Nabutiti neighbourhood in Kansanga ward in Kampala City. The study also involved purposive sampling in which the data sought were qualitative. A sample of 40 respondents was purposively selected for the study. These included 10 female-headed households, 10 male-headed households, five local leaders, five bachelors, five spinsters and five social service providers (in health, education, water, housing and transport). The data were collected using interviews and observations for primary data and documents analysis for secondary data. The analysis of the data generated by the interviews and observations involved a phenomenological approach by emphasising a deep understanding of the observed phenomena and views of the participants, literal description and narration of the emerging issues out of which authentic conclusions were made. During the interviews and observations, the researcher noted down in his diary the relevant issues (episodes, situations, events or instances) for accurate reporting. The main themes that emerged from the field notes and interviews were noted down, quoting extensively in verbatim format. The study established that social networks are formed based on a multiple of factors that included geographical proximity, social clubs, shared schooling, work place, kinship, religion, shared values, attitudes, culture, social status, aspirations and marriage alliances. The study also found out that social networks are important in the survival of the urban poor by creating links