Indian slums represent complex political and social issues...

The article I found pertaining to social issues focused on the interesting dynamics of India's slums. The article specifically deals with Mumbai and Delhi and the idea that not all slums are the dealing with the same problems in this country. The author brings up the fact that many slums actually represent the areas where much of India's economic activity is taking place. for example: the Dharavi slum, which is a slum in Mumbai best recognized for its appearance in the hit "Slumdog Millionaire", is one of the largest leather producers in the world. Some people just choose to live in these areas because it is far more affordable. Some of these same slums have running water and electricity. However, there are obviously less established slums who deal with the expected problems of living in a poor area. From theft to fire threats, the lack of infrastructure is not there and you find a less organized, less protected slum.

I found this article to be extremely surprising. I had no idea so many slums are responsible for the production of goods and economic activity. I also did not realize that there were so many political ties to the survival or destruction of each particular slum. I find it interesting that the slum situation in India is so much different than the comparable areas in the U.S. The situation in many of our poverty-stricken areas is due to a complete lack of political connections straight across the board. And as far as a part in economic activity, it pretty much does not exist.