Locked down: Ontological security and the experience of COVID‐19 while living in poor‐quality housing

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to illustrate how the housing system in the United Kingdom (UK) has contributed to creating vulnerabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Drawing on the concept of ontological security we look at how living with housing insecurity whilst enduring poor housing conditions has impacted the lives of those living in households. The paper draws on semi‐structured interviews with 50 residents and 8 housing professionals. The findings outline the grinding impact of the pandemic on the ontological security of residents and the coping strategies adopted by a wider range of households who are now increasingly vulnerable. A number of people went into lockdown in vulnerable situations, experiencing deep inequalities and living in poorly maintained homes. This has weakened the ontological security experienced by many households. These represent significant failings of the housing system and housing policy impacting on the health and wellbeing of a wider cohort of people creating additional vulnerabilities.

What housing characteristics support seniors? Seniors’ experiences of housing and home in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…This paper contributes to understanding those impacts by considering how housing enables seniors’ protection, care and resilience. In this way, the paper informs a knowledge gap by linking both housing “materialities” and subjective experiences of home (Brown et al , 2022; Power and Mee, 2020). Furthermore, the paper contributes to a growing literature about co-design of housing and built environments with seniors (Carroll and Nørtoft, 2022).…”

“…its ability to endure, adapt and continue to function when exposed to change or adversity (Bojović et al , 2022; James and Saville-Smith, 2018). It is well established that dwelling condition and performance are important determinants of seniors’ mental and physical health (Brown et al , 2022; Howden-Chapman et al , 2017), and accessible design features support seniors’ independence, comfort, health and well-being (Bridge et al , 2006). In a pandemic, dwelling resilience characteristics such as size, condition, functionality of utilities and appliances, ventilation, access to light and outdoor spaces, exert an impact on housing’s ability to provide a safe, protective environment that supports people’s resilience (Bojović et al , 2022; Power and Mee, 2020).…”

“…In a pandemic, dwelling resilience characteristics such as size, condition, functionality of utilities and appliances, ventilation, access to light and outdoor spaces, exert an impact on housing’s ability to provide a safe, protective environment that supports people’s resilience (Bojović et al , 2022; Power and Mee, 2020). For instance, research in the UK found that 31% of adults reported experiencing mental or physical health problems during lockdown due to lack of space and poor dwelling condition (Brown et al , 2022).…”

“…As well as being critical to managing infection risk, physical elements of the dwelling are critical to well-being. These include access to sun and natural light, good dwelling condition and functional appliances that enable cooking, washing and heating (Brown et al , 2022; Horne et al , 2020; Oswald et al , 2020; Power and Mee, 2020). Floorplate flexibility, allowing residents to adapt domestic spaces to changing circumstances, becomes an important means of enhancing well-being (Bowlby and Jupp, 2020; Oswald et al , 2020; Power and Mee, 2020).…”

“…Tenure affects the ability to give and receive care. Owner-occupiers have far greater housing security, control and ability to alter their housing to meet their needs, whereas tenants must negotiate with landlords about their dwelling conditions and amenities (Brown et al , 2022; Power and Mee, 2020). In New Zealand, Cram (2021) observes that mahi aroha, work undertaken by Māori out of “love for the people”, has initiated strong and decisive action in crises; however, the capacity to enact mahi aroha is compromised by insecure rental tenure.…”