The problem structuring process: a tool for the formulation of social and housing policies at the local level

This article highlights the importance of proper identification of problems, as a prior stage to the formulation of public policies. With this in mind, it first presents a set of methodologies that facilitate the development of an adequate definition of problems. It then analyzes the social and housing problems of citizens living in slums in the city of Cordoba, Argentina, using two problem structuring methods - Boundary Analysis and Causal Analysis. Using the results obtained, a structural analysis of the actionable causes of the identified problems is then carried out, thereby making it possible to recommend interventions that may contribute to overcoming them. The methodological proposal presented here is a useful tool for local governments when formulating policies, programmes and projects of various kinds.