The Subjective Experience of the Public on the Implementation of Public Housing Policies in Urban Areas: A Phenomenological Study on the Impact of the Policy on the Socio-Economic Life of the Poor

Abstract

Public housing policies have been a critical area of study in the field of urban sociology and public administration, particularly in addressing socio-economic disparities in urban environments. Despite various policy implementations, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the lived experiences of low-income communities involved in public housing programs. This research seeks to explore the subjective experiences of individuals within such programs, specifically focusing on the impacts of public housing on their socio-economic and social well-being.
Here, we employ a phenomenological approach to investigate the ways in which low-income residents perceive and are affected by public housing policies, filling the gap in literature related to the lived experiences of this demographic.
The study involved in-depth interviews with 15 participants who have lived in government-provided housing for at least one year. Thematic analysis revealed that while some residents experienced social cohesion and a sense of security, others faced dissatisfaction with housing quality and unequal policy implementation, which exacerbated their socio-economic challenges.
These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the human dimension of public housing policies and highlight the need for more inclusive and equitable housing strategies. The research implications suggest that future policies should consider the complex, lived realities of low-income communities to better address their needs.