Housing for the people, housing for the needy: Public housing across continents

Response to need, or providing for the requirements of social reproduction, two apparent causes of public housing action. In both cases, the state intervenes response to market failure. While these may be underlying truths, it is equally valid important to look at the ideological context which motivates and powers the a context which is bound to reflect in the impact of the housing once constructed. paper points to several different 20th century contexts for large-scale housing in Europe and in Africa. Turning to South Africa, the paper looks at the changing ideological context of public housing and the impact of societal goals going far the provision of worker accommodation and also raises more questions than familiar racial separation issues. The paper seeks to integrate findings from different periods and locational spaces, making use of research over many decades.