Housing, Neoliberalism and the Archive: Reinterpreting the Rise and Fall of Public Housing

The Australian public housing system was created in the mid-1940s to enable home ownership by working-class families, but it is now regarded as broken. Kathleen Flanagan's book Housing, Neoliberalism, and the Archive challenges this narrative by using Foucauldian archaeology to analyze archival evidence from Tasmania. She reveals that the difference between past and present knowledge about the value, role, and purpose of public housing results from a significant discontinuity in the way we think and act in relation to housing policy. This finding has real significance for the dilemmas in public housing policy that face us in the here and now.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From the mid-1940s, state housing authorities in Australia embarked on a significant initiative to facilitate home ownership among working-class families. Their goal was to create large housing estates that would provide affordable and accessible housing solutions. However, the public housing system they established is now widely regarded as dysfunctional and in need of reform. The contemporary challenges facing the sustainability, effectiveness, and reputation of the Australian public housing system are often attributed to the influence of neoliberalism.

Housing, Neoliberalism, and the Archive presents a compelling alternative to the conventional narrative of post-war housing policy's "rise and fall." In this book, Kathleen Flanagan employs Foucauldian "archaeology" to analyze archival evidence from the Australian state of Tasmania. Through this analytical approach, she uncovers a profound discontinuity in the way we think and act in relation to housing policy.

Flanagan's work intricately describes the complex system of ideas and events that shaped policy change in Tasmania. She weaves a narrative that encompasses state housing policy, neoliberalism, and history, resonating with many other places and times. By doing so, she reveals that the story of public housing is far more intricate and nuanced than the simplistic neoliberal narrative that often dominates public discourse. This finding holds significant implications for the dilemmas and challenges facing public housing policy in the present day.

One of the key insights from Flanagan's book is that the history of public housing is not merely a tale of decline and neglect. Rather, it is a story of resilience, adaptability, and the ongoing struggle for social justice. Public housing has played a vital role in providing affordable housing to vulnerable populations, including low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. However, over the years, these housing estates have faced numerous challenges, including funding cuts, neglect, and the rise of privatization and market-based solutions.

The influence of neoliberalism on public housing has been particularly significant. Neoliberal policies have sought to deregulate the housing market, promote private sector involvement, and reduce the role of the state in providing social welfare. This has led to a decline in public funding for public housing, a shift towards market-based solutions, and the privatization of many public housing estates.

Despite these challenges, Flanagan's book offers a glimmer of hope. She demonstrates that there are alternative approaches to public housing policy that can prioritize sustainability, effectiveness, and social justice. These approaches include the reinvestment in public housing, the promotion of community-based ownership and management, and the recognition of the importance of public housing as a tool for addressing inequality and promoting social mobility.

In conclusion, Housing, Neoliberalism, and the Archive is a thought-provoking and important book that challenges the conventional narrative of post-war housing policy. Through her meticulous analysis of archival evidence and her compelling storytelling, Flanagan reveals the complex and multifaceted nature of the public housing system. She offers a valuable perspective on the challenges facing public housing and provides insights into alternative policy approaches that can prioritize sustainability, effectiveness, and social justice. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history, politics, and future of public housing in Australia and beyond.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032475301