This is a qualitative study about social processes and individual behaviour of selected informal settlements in Karachi. The aim of this study is to offer an understanding of social processes that are salient to public action (particularly with respect to service delivery systems), individual concerns and opportunities, and the interaction between social processes and individual behaviour. The study does this by constructing a typology of informal settlements and qualitative research in selected settlements of different types, highlighting salient concerns and opportunities for women and men within settlements, and understanding social processes, particularly those relating to the provision of water and sanitation services, in different types of settlements in Karachi. This research study is funded by the World Bank.