Happiness, well-being and housing policy

Clapham, D. (2010) Happiness, well-being and housing policy. Policy & Politics, 38 (2). pp. 253-267. ISSN 0305-5736 doi: 10.1332/030557310X488457

Abstract/Summary

The literature on the meaning of home emphasises the security, positive meaning and self-esteem that home generates. However, housing policy has traditionally viewed houses as units of accommodation rather than homes. This article tackles the question of whether it is possible to devise a housing policy that aims at improving the self-esteem and positive identity of residents. The article reviews the growing literature stressing the importance of seeking to promote happiness or well-being as the primary objective of government policy and concludes with an evaluation of the potential for the application of these ideas to housing policy.