The introductory framework for understanding “gated communities as a living choice” was provided by Blakely and Snyder (1997), based on the interrelationship between their characteristics in the USA. However, uncommon in the Global North, this model got adapted to the context of the Global South, with an increasing number and breadth of academic publications. Due to geographical differences, more indicators needed to be added to the defined characteristics. In lieu of this shortcoming, the objective of the paper is to employ a qualitative systematic review to expand the model of Blakely and Snyder for identifying reasons for living choices in the Global South. The research first, identifies and selects disseminated data on the international development trends of gated communities from 2000-2022, by searching databases, to find the living choice indicators. Next, the indicators are classified within the physical, social, and economic characteristics. Key findings that emerge are based on the comparative analysis of the physical, social, and economic characteristics of gated communities in the Global South. The systematic review demonstrates the importance of conceptualizing “gated communities as a living choice” based on differences in the geographical context of the Global South.

Index Terms- Gated communities, qualitative systematic review, international development trends, Global South, geographical context, living choice.