A Theory of Housing Provision under Capitalism

Berry's book provides a Marxist analysis of the importance of housing in the social reproduction of capitalism, arguing that the circulation of capital and revenues through housing and the built environment helps explain how the capital-labour relation constrains housing outcomes while also being reproduced on an extended scale. He shows how housing is provided by the intervention of building, property, and interest-bearing capital fractions, how the land question can be explained by a theory of urban land rent, and how housing is vital to the extended reproduction of labor power while also creating a semi-separate sphere of home in which gender and demographic factors overlay and accentuate social class position. State intervention in housing provision modifies the patterns and pace of capital circulation through housing and the urban built environment, with implications for shifts in class fragmentation and power relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the critical role of housing in the social reproduction of capitalism. Instead of relegating housing to the periphery, Berry argues that the circulation of capital and revenues through housing and the built environment plays a pivotal role in understanding how the capital-labour relation constrains housing outcomes while also being reproduced on a larger scale. He demonstrates how housing is provided through the intervention of building, property, and interest-bearing capital fractions, how the land question can be explained by a theory of urban land rent, drawing on Marx's categories of differential and monopoly rent, how housing is essential for the extended reproduction of labour power, while also creating a semi-separate sphere of home where gender and demographic factors overlay and accentuate social class positions. The modes, impact, and drivers of state intervention in housing provision are observed to modify the patterns and pace of capital circulation through housing and the urban built environment, with significant implications for shifts in class fragmentation and power relations.

This book offers a comprehensive Marxist analysis of the central significance of housing in the social reproduction of capitalism. By examining the intricate relationships between capital, labor, and the built environment, Berry challenges the traditional notion of housing as a mere commodity and reveals its profound impact on the overall functioning of the capitalist system. Through his detailed examination, he demonstrates how housing is not just a means of shelter but also a crucial component of the reproduction of capital and the consolidation of power.

Berry begins by exploring the ways in which the circulation of capital and revenues through housing and the built environment shapes housing outcomes. He argues that the interaction between different fractions of capital, such as building, property, and interest-bearing capital, plays a significant role in determining the availability, quality, and affordability of housing. By analyzing the dynamics of these capital fractions, Berry sheds light on the mechanisms that perpetuate inequality and segregation in housing markets.

Furthermore, Berry delves into the land question, which is closely intertwined with housing provision. He argues that a theory of urban land rent, based on Marx's categories of differential and monopoly rent, can help explain the patterns and dynamics of land use and ownership. By examining the relationship between urban land rent and the distribution of wealth, Berry highlights the ways in which capitalism reproduces social class divisions and reinforces existing inequalities.

Moreover, housing is not just a means of providing shelter but also plays a vital role in the extended reproduction of labor power. Berry argues that housing conditions, such as access to amenities, quality of construction, and proximity to employment opportunities, have a direct impact on the productivity and well-being of workers. By examining the relationship between housing and labor power, Berry highlights the ways in which capitalism seeks to control and exploit labor through the provision of inadequate and insecure housing.

However, the provision of housing is not solely determined by market forces. The state also plays a significant role in shaping housing outcomes, through its policies and interventions. Berry explores the modes, impact, and drivers of state intervention in housing provision, and demonstrates how these interventions modify the patterns and pace of capital circulation through housing and the urban built environment. He argues that state intervention can exacerbate class fragmentation and power relations, by creating barriers to housing access and perpetuating existing inequalities.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the central importance of housing in the social reproduction of capitalism. By examining the complex relationships between capital, labor, and the built environment, Berry offers a novel perspective on the ways in which housing shapes and is shaped by the capitalist system. His analysis sheds light on the mechanisms that perpetuate inequality and segregation in housing markets, the role of the state in shaping housing outcomes, and the ways in which housing plays a vital role in the extended reproduction of labor power. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and social theory, and will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists alike.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031244704
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023