Marginal Settlements and the Security of the Tehran Metropolis

Living in city borders constitutes a serious challenge in 21st Century. According to statistical records، more than one tenth of the population in Iran live in city borders، a considerable number of which live in the metropolis of Tehran. The marginal settlers، who are mostly rural emigrants with low financial ability، have settled mostly in quality-based and low-priced lands in an informal manner. This type of settlement lacks any kind of standard of living. So، this state has created numerous problems and difficulties from among of which the security problems resulting from it، are of considerable importance. Utilizing the descriptive-analytical research method، this article attempts to answer this question of ‘How is the state of marginal settlement in the metropolis of Tehran، and what effect does it have on its security? ’. The main question was put to test by using the theoretical framework adopted by the approaches of relative deprivation، and expectations-satisfaction. The research findings based on the instruments، documents and evidence specified that- despite measures that have been taken at some junctures- marginal settlement in this metropolis is developing، and that despite the fact that the first generation have accepted the living conditions in these points، the second generation who consider themselves as Tehran-born، begin to contrast their life with that of the reference group (Tehranicitizens) only to feel the state of being involved in relative deprivation. It is at this point that they deem the legal means as difficult to adopt، and so they resort to illegal ways and deviate from the rule; hence، the marginal settlers themselves، Tehrani citizens and the government itself will face many insecurities.