History of the Housing Crisis

This insightful book examines the historical context of the housing crisis, emphasizing collective struggles for affordable homes and the impact of neoliberal policies.

This book delves into the intricate history of housing politics, offering readers a critical lens through which to understand the contemporary housing crisis. By tracing the evolution of housing policies and the socio-political dynamics that shaped them, History of the Housing Crisis aims to inspire current and future struggles for decent, affordable, and secure homes. It highlights the importance of collective action in achieving housing rights and the role of the state in ensuring access to housing.

The narrative takes us back to mid-twentieth century Britain, where housing was more effectively organized, providing citizens with secure and affordable homes. This era was characterized by significant achievements such as council housing, rent controls, and regulated tenancies, which were not merely granted by a benevolent government but were the result of persistent collective efforts. However, the situation began to deteriorate in the 1980s, as successive governments from various political backgrounds sought to diminish the state's role in housing provision and regulation.

History of the Housing Crisis illustrates how housing has been a critical battleground for neoliberal policies, often leading to detrimental outcomes for society. By examining the strategies employed in the ongoing struggle for better housing, the book encourages readers to reflect on how to continue advocating for housing rights today. It serves as both a historical account and a call to action for those who believe in the right to housing for all.