How do urban brokers function within underserved slums? This paper explores the role of political clientelism in Pakistani slums, contrasting it with the operation of rural clientelist networks. Using household-level data, the research seeks to understand how urban brokers provide essential services to residents in areas with limited public goods provision. Unlike their rural counterparts, urban brokers are found to be less able to claim credit for public goods. Instead, they focus on providing personalized and targeted services, including dispute resolution and documentation assistance. This suggests a shift from traditional clientelism to a more individualized approach to meeting residents' needs. The study reveals that urban networks operate as problem-solving and welfare-enhancing mechanisms for slum dwellers. This suggests that while urban brokers may not wield the same influence over public goods provision, their personalized services play a crucial role in improving the lives of residents in marginalized urban communities. The findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of urban poverty and the informal support systems that emerge in the absence of adequate public services.
Published in the Journal of International Development, this paper fits the journal's focus on development challenges and strategies in developing countries. The study's investigation of political clientelism in Pakistani slums sheds light on the role of informal networks in addressing basic needs within marginalized urban communities.