Investigating dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in public housing: Factor analysis approach
No Thumbnail Available
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract
Description
Purpose – The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by
residents in public housing with a view to identifying how government and construction professionals
can deliver adequate housing facilities.
Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on household surveys involving 517
respondents selected from nine public housing estates constructed between 2003 and 2010 in Ogun
State Southwest Nigeria. The data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to the
residents by the researchers through visits to the housing estates. A total of 33 variables derived from
the review of the literature were used in measuring housing adequacy. Descriptive statistics and factor
analyses were used in analysis of the data.
Findings – The study reveals that residents perceived their housing situation as inadequate. They
evaluated housing adequacy based on four key dimensions: ambient condition of interiors spaces,
security, utilities and neighbourhood facilities; social infrastructure; level of privacy and size of
sleeping; and living and dining areas in the residences. These dimensions of housing adequacy
evaluation were found not to be exactly the same way experts conceived housing adequacy in the
literature.
Research limitations/implications – The concept of housing adequacy can be used to examine
occupants’ housing preferences and their standard of living, the quality of housing and the performance
of mass housing projects.
Practical implications – The paper makes practical suggestions to government and construction
professionals on how to improve adequacy levels of public housing. Specifically, in the areas of giving
more attention to ambient condition of interiors, security, utilities and neighbourhood facilities as well
as privacy and sizes of main activities areas in dwelling units in the design, construction and
management of public housing projects.
Originality/value – The study identifies dimensions of housing adequacy evaluation by residents in
public housing and compares these with experts’ conception of housing adequacy.
Keywords
H Social Sciences (General)