Urban Squatting with Rent-Seeking Organizers
Center for Economic Studies (CES) & the Ifo Institute
Download Document| Date Published | 2012 |
| Version | |
| Primary Author | Jan K. Brueckner |
| Other Authors | |
| Theme | Neighborhood Upgrading |
| Country |
Abstract
This paper extends a new line of research on urban squatting that focuses on the role of the squatter organizer. The model replaces the benevolent organizer from previous studies with a collection of competing, rent-seeking squatter organizers, a structure that may offer a realistic picture of many cities in less-developed countries. In addition to delineating the structure of such a competitive model, the analysis generates a host of comparative-static results and other insights. Among other things, the analysis shows that competition among squatter organizers has much in common with competition in a traditional industry setting.