The housing and economic development debate revisited: economic significance of housing in developing countries

Abstract

Should housing improvement be part of economic development strategies? Must housing improvement wait until high-economic growth is attained? How much priority should be given to housing in view of the limited resources in lessdeveloped countries? What are housing benefits in economic development vis-à -vis other economic investments? These questions have generated heated debates, both in the literature on development problems and in planning and practice in the 1950s and 1960s. This paper draws on the accumulated body of knowledge resulting from past experiences in research and policy to revisit the earlier debates, survey the main lines of argument and reassess the economic potential of housing. It then attempts to generate broad policy considerations. The main contention of this paper is that in light of past and present evidence, the housing sector needs to be given serious consideration in economic growth strategies.

Influence of External Environmental Factors on the Success of Public Housing Projects in Developing Countries

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“…Model housing never appeared in the grand scheme of development programmes, mainly because it was has an extremely high capital to output ratio. 77 Housing was considered an outcome of rapid economic growth -not part of the development process.…”

Revisiting Gender and Housing: Housing as Seen Through the Eyes of Women in Social Rental Housing in Gauteng, South Africa

“…In view of its implications for women and communities, housing planning needs to occupy a central position in social policy (Arku, 2006;Carter & Polevychok, 2004). For significant progress to be made in achieving social policy goals of promoting gender equality, eradicating poverty, growing the economy, promoting social inclusion and addressing the scourge of gender-based and domestic violence, women's access to safe and secure housing and human settlements need to be prioritised (Carter & Polevychok, 2004;Dietrich, 1987;Gandhi, 1987;Jewkes et al, 2010;Lanus, 2009;Paglione, 2006).…”