These are typically the most undesirable and impoverished sections of a city. Characterized by high crime rates, environmental pollution, and a lack of basic infrastructure, they often lack access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Slums or squatter settlements frequently exemplify this concept, existing on the periphery of urban centers or in areas unsuitable for habitation due to physical hazards or industrial contamination.
Understanding the formation and perpetuation of these areas is crucial for urban planners and policymakers. They highlight societal inequalities and the spatial manifestation of poverty. Examining these zones enables the identification of systemic issues contributing to marginalization and provides a basis for developing targeted interventions aimed at improving living conditions and promoting social justice. Historically, rapid urbanization, economic disparities, and discriminatory housing policies have contributed significantly to their growth.