This thesis focuses on the demographical characteristics of social housing in the United States. At the beginning, a comprehensive overview about the system of the housing market itself and the development of social housing in the United States is given by observing the current situation in the United States and in New York City in particular. After gathering this information, the demographical characteristics of social housing tenants are elaborated in more detail. The main objective is to study and evaluate demographical developments, status quo and current challenges. At the end, a critical evaluation of the social housing system and its tenants in the United States is possible from a present-day perspective, as well as for the future.
Table of Contents
1 Theory of Housing Market and Social Housing
1.1 Meaning of Housing Market
1.1.1 Actors of the Housing Market and Their Interactions
1.1.2 Processes of Housing Market
1.1.3 Market Behaviour
1.2 Social Housing
1.2.1 Defining Social Housing
1.2.2 Supply Side of the Social Housing Market
1.2.3 Demand Side of the Social Housing Market
1.3 Role of Social Housing in Europe and the United States
2 Development of Social Housing in the United States
2.1 Summary of the Historical Development
2.1.1 Period Before World War I
2.1.2 Interwar Period
2.1.3 Post World War II
2.1.4 Reagan Period
2.1.5 Current Situation
2.2 The Current Social Housing System of the United States
2.2.1 Institutions
2.2.2 Non-Profit Organizations
2.2.3 Housing Eligibility and Accessibility
2.3 Demographics of Social Housing Residents in the USA
2.3.1 Migration and Diversity
2.3.2 Current Situation of Social Rent Household
2.3.3 Householder Characteristics
2.3.4 Household Characteristics
3 Case Study New York City
3.1 Current Structure of the City
3.1.1 Variation of Economical Data
3.1.2 Variation of Demographical Data
3.2 Situation of Social Housing in New York City
3.2.1 The New York City Housing Authority
3.2.2 The New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development
3.3 Demographics of Social Housing Residents in New York City
3.3.1 Ethnic Origin
3.3.2 Household Composition
3.3.3 Distribution of Age
3.3.4 Socio-Economic Status
3.4 Second Generation in New York City
3.4.1 Demographic Overview of the Second Generation
3.4.2 Geographic Characteristics of the Second Generation in New York
3.5 Housing Accessibility and Affordability in New York City
3.6 Future Challenges of Social Housing in New York City
3.6.1 Crisis of New York City Housing Authority
3.6.2 Financial Crisis of the United States
4 Critical Evaluation of the Social Housing System of the United States and its Residents
4.1 Social Housing in the United States
4.2 Demographical Characteristics: Social Housing Only for Marginalized Population?
4.3 Future Prospects
Research Objectives and Themes
This work examines the evolution, current institutional structure, and demographic composition of the social housing system in the United States, with a specific focus on the complex housing market dynamics and policy challenges in New York City.
- Historical development of U.S. social housing policies and institutions.
- Demographic analysis of social housing residents, focusing on ethnic diversity and socioeconomic status.
- Institutional roles of HUD and local agencies like NYCHA.
- Housing affordability challenges and future prospects in light of economic crises.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Meaning of Housing Market
A very superficial observation shows that housing markets basically connect buyers and sellers of housing, whereby “[…] buyers offer demand and sellers offer supply […]” (Oxley, 2004, p. 16). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that the housing market differs from the market for other necessities such as food or clothing. The main difference is “[…] that supply does not respond to demand quickly” (www.huduser.org) and the complexity of housing markets can be found in the strong connectivity to economic conditions.
Abele and Winckler (1976, p. 3) went one step further and emphasized that the concept of housing market includes two different core themes, in particular the change of domicile and the building activity. Both categories are very complex and amount to a “[…] multi-dimensional social field of interaction […]” (Abele and Winckler, 1976, p. 3) which is influenced by different actors, information patterns, decision-making processes, activities, institutional conditions and so on. Over the course of their study they describe the housing market as a place where information pass on and where interactions and communication take place. The housing market is generally characterized by processes which concentrate on the objective ‘habitation’ (Abele and Winckler, 1976, p. 66).
Summary of Chapters
1 Theory of Housing Market and Social Housing: This chapter establishes the theoretical foundations of housing markets and defines the conceptual framework for understanding social housing as a distinct commodity.
2 Development of Social Housing in the United States: This chapter traces the historical timeline of U.S. social housing policies, institutional roles of HUD, and the demographic profile of subsidized residents.
3 Case Study New York City: This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of New York City’s unique housing structure, demographic trends, and the specific challenges faced by NYCHA and municipal agencies.
4 Critical Evaluation of the Social Housing System of the United States and its Residents: This chapter concludes by critically assessing the effectiveness of the U.S. social housing system and discussing future prospects for reform and sustainability.
Keywords
Social Housing, Housing Market, United States, New York City, NYCHA, Housing Affordability, Demographics, Public Housing, Section 8, HUD, Urban Development, Migration, Social Integration, Rent Stabilization, Financial Crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work primarily explores the structural development, current institutional setup, and the demographic reality of social housing in the United States, using New York City as a primary case study.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The study covers the history of U.S. housing policy, the interaction between public/private sectors, the influence of demographic changes on housing demand, and the impact of economic crises on housing affordability.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social housing in the U.S. has developed and to evaluate its current state regarding accessibility and support for vulnerable populations.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The study utilizes a combination of theoretical analysis of housing markets and empirical data, including demographic reports, policy documentation, and expert interviews (e.g., with representatives from NYCHA).
What topics are discussed in the main part?
The main part analyzes the shift from public construction to demand-side subsidies, the specific role of institutions like HUD and NYCHA, and the socioeconomic characteristics of residents in subsidized units.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include social housing, New York City, HUD, NYCHA, housing affordability, demographic change, and subsidized rent programs.
How does the author define the "second generation" in New York City?
The author identifies the second generation as young adults aged 18-32 born to post-1965 immigrant parents in the U.S., distinguishing them from the "1.5 generation" who immigrated as children.
What significance do "Fair Market Rents" hold in the system?
Fair Market Rents (FMR) serve as a crucial benchmark established by HUD to determine the eligibility and the level of rent assistance provided to tenants within subsidized housing programs.
What major challenge is currently facing the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)?
NYCHA faces severe financial and management crises caused by declining federal subsidies, rising operational costs, and the need to maintain an aging housing stock while managing long waiting lists.
- Quote paper
- Yvonne Franz (Author), 2009, Demographical Characteristics of Social Housing in the United States, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/135945
