Can’t leave, won’t leave. A study of households’ responses to housing stress in a pressured area

H Social Sciences (General);HM Sociology;HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform;HT Communities. Classes. Races;HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare

Lloyd, Michael ; Moira, Munro

University:University of Glasgow

Department:School of Social and Political Sciences

关键词: Gentrification, affordable housing, East Lothian, housing stress, place attachment, pressured area;   

Others  :  http://theses.gla.ac.uk/6084/1/2014LloydPhD.pdf

来源: University of Glasgow

【 摘 要 】

This thesis demonstrates that constraints on displacement as a consequence of gentrification can be complex. It suggests that some of the barriers to leaving an area that households face have been under-emphasised in previous research. It analyses the behaviour of households dealing with housing stress in a Scottish local authority area, East Lothian. This is a ‘pressured area,’ as defined by the Scottish government, where the ‘Right to Buy’ council houses has been suspended in most parts because of lack of affordable housing.The thesis uses qualitative methods to examine in depth how households respond to housing problems when their options for solving them are restricted. It investigates first, the kinds of problems that they face. These include unsustainable housing costs, overcrowding, antisocial behaviour and poorly maintained or unsuitable houses. Their attempts to improve their housing are then shown. The households are asked why they think they have been unable, so far, to solve their accommodation problems. They describe the housing market in East Lothian and they explain how they think it has impacted on their housing aspirations and choices.Gentrification theory predicts that, usually, pressured households will move to lower housing cost areas to meet their housing needs. In this study, the majority of the participants were resisting displacement. Their reasons for resistance are analysed and it is proposed that the role of ‘place attachment’ in holding back displacement has been under- emphasised in previous research. It is suggested moreover that households may be reluctant to leave because they believe that the government and local authorities have a duty to provide affordable housing in their own area, and expect them to do so.