2025 Theses Master's

Hidden in the Heat: Exploring Socio-Spatial Inequalities and Educational Challenges in Karachi’s Heatwaves

Jah, Syeda Kainaat

This study examines how discourse surrounding heat waves impacts the educational trajectories and community resilience in Karachi’s Machar Colony, an informal settlement severely affected by climatic extremes. Through a detailed anthropological and sociolinguistic discourse analysis, the research delves into the sociospatial dynamics of disaster response and educational continuity, bridging ecological, political, economic and cultural perspectives. The research highlights how narratives around heatwaves shape public understanding and policy responses, focusing on human and educational dimensions rather than broader economic and health impacts. The vulnerability of Machar Colony’s residents to heat waves is exacerbated by infrastructural inadequacies and historical neglect, making them particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme temperatures. By examining government policies, media portrayals and educational materials, the study explores how these narratives influence community perceptions and actions regarding climate adaptation. The study also considers the role of madrassahs (Islamic schools) in shaping community responses to climate challenges. It investigates whether these religious educational institutions reinforce passive attitudes towards climate change or serve as catalysts for enhancing community resilience. In highlighting the interaction between educational disruptions and climate extremes, this research underscores the need for integrated strategies that enhance resilience and educational continuity. By providing a nuanced understanding of how discourse shapes lived experience in high-risk environments, the study aims to inform effective context-specific policy responses to enhance disaster preparedness and educational resilience in urban informal settlements.