The Human Right to Adequate Housing in Theory and in Practice
Creators: Bates, Laura E
Publisher: name: University of Alberta Library
Year: 2024

<p>Adequate housing is critical for the wellbeing, safety and dignity of individuals and households, as well as for the equality and inclusiveness of society. The human right to adequate housing was first introduced to international law in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1966. Yet, violations of the right to housing persist and are internationally pervasive, with an estimated 1.8 billion people lacking access to adequate housing worldwide in 2022. Escalating global housing crises are driven by factors including growing socioeconomic inequalities, financialization of land and housing, and systems that commodify housing. This thesis investigates the meaning of the human right to adequate housing in theory and in practice, with a focus on social and affordable housing (‘community housing’ in Canada). The three results chapters each present a distinct study, with their own data sources, methods and academic contributions.  </p>

<p>First, a systematic literature review quantifies the diversity of topics, methods and theories utilized in 313 recent articles published in three leading housing journals. The findings of this review disrupt common assertions of under-theorization in the housing studies field, by identifying a complex and diverse theory-scape of both ‘housing-specific’ and ‘generalist’ conceptual approaches. Avenues for future research are also highlighted, including opportunities for scholars to build on the theoretical frameworks already being applied in contemporary housing studies, to engage with research topics that remain under-examined in the field, and to advance and clarify methodological approaches.</p>

<p>Second, a framing analysis of 24 United Nations Special Rapporteur country visit reports investigates the conceptualization and operationalization of a human rights-based approach to housing at an international level. This analysis addresses a gap in contemporary housing literature by affording systematic, detailed attention to the right to housing – both in terms of how it is defined and conceptualized (in theory) and operationalized (in practice). Findings illuminate internationally prevalent housing problems, their underlying causes, and potential remedies aligned with human rights-based approaches. These insights provide a novel way of understanding how the right to housing is ‘framed’ by the Special Rapporteur in country visit reports in order to set international standards for its realization.</p>

<p>Third, a thematic analysis of interviews with community housing managers in Canada zooms in further on how the right to housing is operationalized in practice. This study examines how these organizations understand and realize the right to housing by improving equitable access to adequate housing and enhancing experiences of home for households in need. The capabilities approach is employed as a theoretical framework to conceptualize the operations of these providers. Findings underscore the critical role of this sector in realizing the right to housing in Canada, and reveal how community housing providers and human rights-based housing approaches can enhance households’ capabilities and quality of life, and contribute to social equality.</p>

<p>In bringing together insights from contemporary housing literature, the Special Rapporteur’s work and community housing managers’ perspectives, it is evident that agency with respect to one’s home is an important, but often under-recognized, part of experiencing truly adequate housing. As such, the conclusion to this thesis proposes extending the definition of the right to housing to include agency, to ensure that every household can access adequate housing that is both physically safe and personally meaningful.</p>