Ecologies of housing and underlying assumptions of vulnerability

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the difficulties in implementing models of housing, and to help address the lack of accessible and affordable private housing for people with disability in Australia. In responding to this aim, the study formulated an ecological map of housing models, which are examined in this paper in terms of their underlying assumptions of vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved explanation building, using a multiple case study approach, informed theoretically by an ecological framework. It included organisations, families and individuals with disability.

Findings

For the purpose of this paper, the study revealed a direct relationship between the nature of the housing models proposed, and assumptions of vulnerability. In the context of the study findings, the paper suggests that attempts to address individual housing needs are more likely to achieve a positive outcome when they are person driven, from a premise of ability rather than disability. Overall, it invites a “universalistic” way of conceptualising housing issues for people with disability that has international relevance.

Practical implications

This paper highlights how assumptions of vulnerability shape environmental responses, such as housing, for people with disability.

Originality/value

This paper is based on a study that reconciled a person-centred philosophy with an ecological appreciation of the external and internal factors impacting housing choice for people with disability.

Citation

Franz, J., Bitner, G., Petriwskyj, A., Ward, M., Adkins, B. and Rolfe, A. (2015), "Ecologies of housing and underlying assumptions of vulnerability", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 41-50. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-06-2015-0009