Housing For The Lower Income Groups, - Economic Aspects

Abstract

One could approach the subject of housing from the macro level i.e. at the national level, dealing with some of the socio-eoonQ~~e and political issues moving downwards to the micro leVel, i.e• .the problems fa.cingthe individual family in terms .-of hOUsing~ In fact many professionals tend to take up this line of thought, because they have come to the conclusion that the housing problems, in both rich and poor countries, is neither technical nor economic, but political. This conclusion then leads them to discuss whioh political system would be capable of "solving" the housing problems for those most in need. To bring such a political system about may in turn require a revolution or at best an evolution whioh is bound to affect the whole array of values and norms. This could take a very long time indeed and many families would go without proper shelter in the meantime. I have chosen to approach the subjeot of housing for the lower income groups from the 'lbottomup" instead of from the "top down". This is, in my view, a more feasible way to get started and make some tangible progress for those most in need of better housing~ At the same time it is the approach most appropriate for the occasion, namely representing the style or philosophy which the Housing Research and Development Unit has adhered to during its 10 years of existence.