Housing and Social Theory

Examining the nature of housing research, this study focuses on several key debates in social theory, including political science, social change and welfare. Case studies are presented in order to illustrate theories, covering such areas as privatism, collectivism and urban planning.
Housing studies have often neglected important areas of debate that affect other social sciences. While there are an increasing number of studies that focus on specific areas such as over-crowding and home-ownership, the development of broader housing concepts has been slow. Jim Kemeny looks at the nature of housing research and focuses on various key debates in social theory and their relation to housing. Looking in particular at three main areas - political science, social change and welfare - he provides a critique of the current methods of theory. Case studies are presented to illustrate the application of various theories, covering areas such as privatism, collectivism, urban planning, hegemony, ideology and myth.