Politics of place

One of the contradictions of housing in a capitalist society is that whilst some households struggle to find a roof to give minimal shelter, others live in highly serviced and centrally heated luxury with more space than they require. The basic issue of differentials in ability to achieve space and shelter lies at the root of the housing problem which is itself an aspect of differential rewards within a class society and a market economy. In this chapter we wish to extend the discussion of housing beyond the four walls of the dwelling however and consider the implications of house location.