All over the world, many have felt the impact of today’s economy, some more then others. As the unemployment rate in China from May to July 2009 rose to 5.4%, the number of East Asian urban dwellers has increased. Nearly 40% of East Asian urban dwellers live in slum conditions. Many are forced to live in a 20-square feet area of an apartment shared by up to 21 residents. Up to 100,000 residents due today’s economic problems currently live in these dreaded “caged” urban dwellings.
The idea of these cage dwellings were created in the 1950s due to the rush of immigration to China. These small areas are often spilt by thin wooden slabs or steel mesh wire for the individual’s belonging and a small mattress. They all share a single toilet and shower in a small corner, but in a more positive side they are provided with air conditioning which turns on at 9pm. Many suffer from poor hygiene, irritation from cockroaches and bed bugs. Most residents are the working poor, mentally ill, the elderly, children, and the occasional drug addict. From only the past year the rate of new tenants has risen 5%. It’s an area of many populated cities people do not think about, but are constantly seen.
It’s hard to believe the influence of the current economy has effected many these extreme conditions. While many of the wealthiest men come from Hong Kong, a third of its seven million residents live in public housing. But like any realistic human, many would not sacrifice a large portion of their wealth to benefit those he does not know. The idea of living in a cage cubby is just beyond me. During my younger years, growing up sharing a room was unbearable; the idea of sharing with 20 other residents is simply preposterous
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