Do We Need a ‘Slow Housing’ Movement?

Abstract

This paper critically explores the counter-intuitive case for a “slow housing movement” by drawing on insights from alternatives to the status quo such as the “slow food movement” and the “slow city movement – cittaslow”. The empirical context is the fluctuating national ambitions for a “big” Australia and pressure to provide homes to support the anticipated population growth by 2050. The now all too familiar (neoliberal) reform mantra is the need to get housing developments into the market quicker by reducing bureaucracy and regulatory processes. But is this (as is often portrayed) the only option available? The paper emphasizes the role of theory in creatively challenging and informing the housing policy and practice status quo as a means by which to further more socially just and sustainable urban outcomes. This involves probing the silences in housing research and starting new debates around how this intersects with housing policy reform, progressive theory and democratic housing outcomes more broadly.

Key Words:

• Slow housing
• Fast capitalism
• Globalization
• Engaged scholarship
• Australia

Notes

1. It is recognized that some elements of the “transition towns movement” can be considered radical in nature.

2. For example work by Sarah Gall and Louise Crabtree within the Australian context.