A study of independent middle class women: accommodation crisis, living experiences & negotiation strategies in Dhaka

Abstract

As the economy expands its horizon, the number of citizens also populates a city, and Dhaka is no exception. Many of its inhabitants are women, including women who live independently in this city for numerous purposes. Some migrate from other parts of the country due to professional responsibilities, some move here for the better education it offers and some are city dwellers who move out of their family’s homes. Nevertheless, these independent women have to navigate their way into the city with ample caution, which is omnipresent in every step of their daily lives. The height of their struggles reaches a new epoch regarding finding suitable accommodation for themselves. In this dissertation, I aim to explore the reason behind their residency crisis and how these independent, middle-class women negotiate throughout their daily lives to survive in this city. By looking into these women’s lives, I attempt to comprehend their stories in a written form while highlighting aspects of patriarchy, survival strategies, struggles and the changing dynamic of relationships.