Housing is a fundamental need and universal part of human living that shapes our lives in profound ways that go far beyond basic sheltering. Where we live can determine our self-image, social status, health and safety, quality of public services, access to jobs, and transportation options. But the reality for many in America is that housing choices are constrained: costs are unaffordable, discriminatory practices remain, and physical features do not align with needs. We have made a national commitment to decent housing for all, yet this promise remains unrealized.
Housing in America provides a broad overview of the field of housing. The evolution of housing norms and policy is explored in a historical context while underscoring the human and cultural dimensions of housing program choices. Specific topics covered include: why housing matters; housing and culture; housing frameworks and political ideologies; housing and opportunities; housing and the economy; housing discrimination; housing affordability; rental housing; and housing and climate change. Readers will gain an understanding of the basic debates within the field of housing, consider the motivations and performance of various interventions, and critically examine persistent patterns of racial and class inequality.
With short case studies, primary source materials, reflective exercises, strong visuals, and interviews with practitioners, this introductory text explores improving housing choices in America.
Author(s): Marijoan Bull, Alina Gross
Edition: 2
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 309
City: New York
Cover
Endorsements
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Unique Qualities of Housing
Levels of Influence
Housing Influence on the Personal Level
Housing Influence on the Community Level
Housing Influence on the National Level
Unique Characteristics of Housing
Housing Is More Than a Product
Housing Is Heterogeneous
Housing Is the Largest Household Purchase
Financial and Emotional Costs of Moving Can Be High
Housing Is Durable and Appreciates Over Time
Housing Is Shaped by Cultural Norms and Institutional Practices
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
Notes
References
2. Housing and Culture
What Is Culture?
America's Flawed Foundation
Cultural Preference for Homeownership
House and Household Size
Dominance of the Single-Family House
Use of the Home Space
Culturally Based Housing Design
Life Cycle and Housing
Leaving Home
Nuclear Family
Multigenerational Households
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
3. Framing Housing: Disciplinary Approaches and Ideologies
Disciplinary Approaches
Economics and Housing
Sociology and Housing
Philosophy and Housing
Urban Planning and Housing
Political Ideologies
Conservatives and Housing
Liberals and Housing
Radicals and Housing
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
Notes
References
4. History of Federal Involvement in Housing
Part One 1900-1950s
Early Years
A Different Type of Crisis
A National Commitment That Legitimizes Multiple Federal Roles
Part Two 1960-2020s
Urban Crisis
Increased Local Control and a Leaning Toward Demand-Side Funding
New Challenges from Recurring Economic Woes
Revisiting the First Wave of Responses
Foreclosure Crisis
Financialization of Housing
COVID-19 Pandemic and Housing Stability
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
Note
References
5. Housing and Discrimination
Terminology
Part One
History of Housing Discrimination
Impacts of Redlining
Alleviating the Problem
Shelley v. Kraemer, 1948
The Civil Rights Act, 1968
Community Reinvestment Act, 1977
Violence and Intimidation
Housing Discrimination in Recent Years
Ethnic and Racial Discrimination
Local Policy and Housing Discrimination
Same-Sex Couples and Single Parents
Women
Disabled and Elderly Persons
The New Discrimination
Part Two
Segregation
Causes
State Actions
Market Actions
Race and Social Action
Consequences of Segregation
Source of Income Discrimination
Disparate Impact
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
Notes
References
6. Housing Needs, Affordability, and Federal Responses
Defining Housing Needs
Adequacy of Housing
Accessibility of Housing
Affordability
Critiques of the Legislated Housing Need Measure
Application of HUD Measure: Who Has Affordability Needs?
Federal Responses to Housing Needs
Tax Expenditures
Direct Expenditures HUD Programs
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Public Housing
Other Unit-Based Subsidies
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
Notes
References
7. Housing and Opportunity
Housing and Public Health
Nutritional Opportunities
Access to Open Space
Health and Development Patterns
Crime Victimization and Exposure
Cost of Housing and Health
Access to Reproductive Health Facilities
Health Care Access and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Housing and Education
Education and Affordable Housing
Questions on the Geography of Opportunity
Framing Matters: Poverty Versus Affluence
Conclusion
Question and Activities
References
8. Housing and the Economy
The Housing Market
Housing Demand
Housing Supply
Housing and Regulations
Housing Filtering
Gentrification
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
Notes
References
9. Public Housing
Profile of Public Housing Today
The History of Public Housing
Financial Challenges
Design Challenges
Blaming the Victim
The New Philosophy of Public Housing Today
Rental Assistance Demonstration
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
10. State and Local Housing Initiatives
States
Planning Mechanisms
Funding Mechanisms
Regulatory Mechanisms
Municipalities
Planning Mechanisms
Funding Mechanisms
Regulatory Mechanisms
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
11. Rental Housing in America
Who Are Renter Households?
Types of Structures Renters Occupy
Private Rental Housing Dynamics
Types of Owners
Enforcing Standards for Residential Rental Property
Tenant Screening
Evictions
Legal Representation in Evictions
Just Cause Evictions
Sealing Non-action Filings
Eviction Diversion Programs
COVID-19 Pandemic and Rental Housing
Tenant Organizing
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
12. People Experiencing Homelessness
Why Are People Homeless?
Homelessness and Deinstitutionalization
Aging Out of Foster Care
Veterans and Homelessness
Homelessness and Domestic Violence
The Criminalization of Homelessness
Attaining and Sustaining a Home
New Solutions for Homelessness
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
13. Community Development Corporations
History
Characteristics and Activities
Housing Examples
Other CDC Activities
Asset-Based Community Development
Intermediaries
Funding
Tensions within and Critiques of the CDC Model
Activists or Technocrats
Funders Set Priorities
Staffing Challenges
Working at the Margins
Support for the Status Quo
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
14. Housing, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Residential Land Use and Climate Change
The Impacts of Urban Sprawl
Smart Growth to Sustainable Development
Open Space Residential Design
Residential Building Design, Materials, and Systems
LEED Certification
Net Zero Energy Building
Passive Houses
Green Affordable Housing
Green Retrofitting
Challenges
Inequitable Impacts of Climate Change
Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
15. Conclusion
Questions and Activities
References
Index
