More than a roof; challenges for older women renters in British Columbia, Canada

ABSTRACT

The growing issue of housing affordability is an increasing challenge worldwide as the financialization of housing markets undermines housing as a basic human right. One of the most vulnerable segments of the population affected by rising housing costs are older, low-income, females. Drawing on qualitative interviews with older women, we explore lived experiences of housing insecurity using a feminist political ecology perspective. Our findings reveal substantial challenges as well as creative solutions being employed by these women to stay in place. We conclude that more targeted and age- and gender-inclusive housing policies, programs, supports and services are critically needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Housing
• affordable housing
• older women
• political ecology
• renters
• health
• British Columbia
• Canada

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the women who participated in this study, not only for their time, but for the stories and insights that they shared with us. We would also like to thank the Executive Director of the Community Association in which the research is set for her support, and for helping us to gain access to our participants. This research is an extension of an Honours undergraduate research project (2018-19).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award.