Self-construction in Lima: a population habit that shapes the urban environment

Abstract

In the Peruvian capital, self-construction has ceased to be an almost exclusive manifestation of the poor peripheral areas of any large Latin American metropolis, to become a common practice of most of the population of Lima at the time of building a house or similar. The purpose of this study was to research deeper into the feelings of those who opt for self-construction to know the reasons underlying this complex phenomenon seen from the viewpoint of the concept of habitus. Qualitative research was carried out using the in-depth interview technique, with the participation of users and expert informants. The results showed that self-construction arises due to different reasons, and that is configured as habitus, regardless of socioeconomic level. The authors believe that, together with the various motivations and variables involved in the phenomenon under study (need, costs, burocracy, informality, and pragmatism), among the factors behind this social transformation and expansion are the public policies installed under the neoliberal model in Peru. It is because since 1990, economic growth has been considered a top priority over the institutional development required by the country.