Social Inclusion and the Role of Housing

There is increasing research evidence that secure, decent, and affordable housing is a necessary foundation for individuals to participate in economic, social, and cultural life. The chapter begins with a brief review of relevant literature and a discussion of housing policies and programs that have been pursued to advance social inclusion in the areas of: homelessness, place-based disadvantage, and affordable housing supply and management. The main part of the chapter assesses the inception and implementation of these policies. The key argument is that housing policies which are put in place to enhance social inclusion will only have a limited and short-term impact unless accompanied by wider systematic reforms that address social inequality. The conclusion sets out some thoughts on the prospects for policy-makers to engage in more systematic housing reform and the necessary steps that are required.