Household Adaptations to Government Housing Designs in Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

The effectiveness of government public housing in providing usable living space for low-middle income households in Oaxaca, Mexico, is assessed in this study through analyses of survey data, ethnographic interviews, and observations conducted in 1987 and 1992 at three different government-sponsored housing developments. The use of household space, and the modifications made by residents of the housing units to achieve a satisfactory allocation of space for different domestic activities and functions, are presented.

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Notes on contributors

Arthur D. Murphy

Arthur D. Murphy is Professor of Anthropology at Georgia State University.

Laura M. Finsten

Laura M. Finsten is Professor of Anthropology at McMaster University.

Earl W. Morris

Earl W. Morris is Professor Emeritus, Department of Design, Housing and Apparel at the University of Minnesota.

Susan K. Pettit

Susan K. Pettit is a Research Associate at the Center for Applied Research in Anthropology at Georgia State University.

Mary Winter

Mary Winter is Professor and Associate Dean in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at Iowa State University.