Housing affordability is a critical issue that is affecting families and communities from all walks of life, and from coast to coast to coast in Canada. It’s not just housing but affordability of other necessities as well that is pushing Canadians to make difficult decisions. I wanted to explore an issue that could be connected with in many different ways, and this one provides an opportunity to analyze statistical data as well as policy at a national and local level, as well as look at household-specific financial considerations.
Below is some rationale and a framework for teaching and questioning housing inequality in the classroom, followed by some resources specific to the Canadian context, and finally lesson plans for various grade levels to address this issue. |
Structural Domain
– power is evident in how government policy, economic systems, and institutions influence the housing market. Things like zoning laws, land use regulations impact the supply & affordability. Housing speculation and investment can lead to price changes which contribute to further disparity. - power structures also intersect with racial and gender disparities, which reinforce existing inequality. Already marginalized communities such as ethnic or racial minorities or women may experience disproportionate disadvantage in housing access. - Norms surrounding home ownership as a marker of success. Could also perpetuate stigmas and stereotypes about people who struggle to afford housing. - Allocation of resources such as access to education and healthcare influence housing disparity. - Advocating for affordable policies, equitable urban planning, will begin to address the root causes. Hegemonic Domain
– Similar to disciplinary domain in that there is pressure to own a home, which drives up demand and prices, creating barriers for those who cannot conform. Concentration of power and influence, and policies that favour property developers, homeowners, privileged groups. - Concentration of wealth and resources, home ownership is an essential part of the “American Dream” - Activism and movements to challenge ideals, change status quo by advocating for affordable housing, tenant rights, equitable policy. |
Disciplinary Domain
– how does society perceive and respond to housing disparity. Norms can contribute to what is viewed as “acceptable” in terms of housing, may pressure individuals into making decisions that may not be financially viable. It is represented as a symbol of achievement. - Socialized into believing owning a home is a fundamental achievement and that other housing arrangements are less desirable. - Those who experience homelessness or live in substandard housing conditions can be labeled, excluded, marginalized, denied access. Interpersonal Domain
– How people respond to housing disparity – discriminatory actions or remarks to marginalized individuals based on housing situation. Housing disparity reflects power imbalance, and these dynamics play out in interpersonal interactions. - Stereotypes and prejudice towards people experiencing homelessness, situation a result of personal failings as opposed to systemic factors that contribute. Can lead to unfair treatment. |
Statistics Canada’s housing statistics page is a valuable resource for comprehensive data and insights. It covers a wide range of topics, including affordability, ownership rates and rental markets. It is an essential tool for understanding dynamics of housing in Canada and contains reports and infographics. It can support informed decision-making and shed light on affordability issues.
Link Image source: Statistics Canada, Housing Statistics. 2023. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects-start/housing. |
OECD’s housing database provides access to information with a particular focus on worldwide affordability. This database compiles data from member countries, including Canada, and provides a view of trends and indicators. Users can explore a wide range of statistics, reports, and analyses to gain insights into the state of housing.
This database offers a global perspective on the challenges of housing affordability. Link Image source: OECD Affordable Housing Database. 2023. https://www.oecd.org/housing/data/affordable-housing-database/. |
Provides an analysis of rental properties in Canada, and highlights key trends and statistics. This report identifies regional variances which could indicate a change in economic conditions, and also provides a breakdown of rent growth by province.
This resource is published every month and provides data on specific markets, as well as provides data for different unit types. It offers valuable insights into rental trends as well as provides colourful and engaging infographics. Link Image source: Rentals.ca, October 2023 Rentals.ca report. https://rentals.ca/national-rent-report |
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