The concept of subjective well-being in housing research

Clapham, D. , Foye, C. and Christian, J. (2018) The concept of subjective well-being in housing research. Housing, Theory and Society, 35(3), pp. 261-280. (doi: 10.1080/14036096.2017.1348391)

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Abstract

The aim of this article is to review the ways in which subjective well-being has been conceptualized within housing research, with a view to evaluating the use of the concept, the insights it has generated, the problems that have been experienced and the possible range of lessons that might be taken forward. The article begins with an analysis of the reasons why subjective well-being has become popular as a conceptual tool in many fields. The article continues with a discussion of the range of definitions that appear in the literature which leads into discussions of the research techniques and methodologies that have been used in empirical research. Empirical studies which focussed on the impact of physical housing conditions and tenure on subjective well-being are reviewed in order to evaluate what is known about the impact of housing on both personal and collective subjective well-being. This review highlights issues of status, reference groups and adaptation that are important insights from the subjective well-being approach that should set the agenda for further research in this area. The conclusion is that the relationship between housing and subjective well-being is a complex one that repays further study in order to understand the rich texture of the role of housing in people’s lives. The article concludes with suggestions for both conceptual and methodological approaches and the focus of future research.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Foye, Dr Chris and Clapham, Professor David
Authors: Clapham, D., Foye, C., and Christian, J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
Journal Name:Housing, Theory and Society
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1403-6096
ISSN (Online):1651-2278
Published Online:10 August 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 IBF, The Institute for Housing and Urban Research
First Published:First published in Housing, Theory and Society 35(3):261-280
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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