Developing an Urban Livelihood Vulnerability Index (ULVI): Assessing Household-Level Vulnerability and Inter-Settlement Heterogeneity in Urban Slums

Urbanisation can catalyse development outcomes; however, rapid population growth under resource constraints can contribute to the proliferation of slum settlements. At the household level, access to livelihood capitals can shape vulnerability by providing resources or creating constraints. Although the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) provides a comprehensive basis for understanding livelihood capitals, its empirical application to household-level vulnerability assessment in urban slum contexts remains limited. This study develops an empirically validated Urban Livelihood Vulnerability Index (ULVI) to assess household-level vulnerability and compare slum settlements. A multiple-case study design was employed in two officially notified slum settlements in Kanpur, India. Primary data were collected through a structured household questionnaire, supplemented by field observations and interviews. The findings reveal a statistically significant difference in household-level ULVI between the two settlements, providing empirical evidence of inter-settlement heterogeneity in livelihood vulnerability. Capital-wise analysis indicates distinct configurations of livelihood capitals: 48 Quarter records higher level of human and physical capital, Nayapurwa records higher social capital, while financial capital does not differ significantly between the settlements. The findings demonstrate that urban slum settlements cannot necessarily be treated as homogeneous units of livelihood vulnerability. The study contributes a structured framework for household-level vulnerability assessment and provides evidence to support more targeted urban planning and policy interventions.