Forms and mechanisms of exclusion in contemporary housing systems: an evidence review

Introduction

This report details contemporary mechanisms of exclusion in the UK rental housing system. Whilst a number of these mechanisms are new, they are discussed with reference to a broader historical literature relating to housing exclusion. This grounds the report in a wider context and raises awareness of the continuity of exclusionary outcomes for some groups, despite substantial changes in policies, practices, and the housing system as a whole.

Approach to the review

The review was carried out in several stages. Searches were conducted in two bibliographic databases, followed by hand-searching of key journals, and internet searches. Finally, in order to capture emerging exclusion, searches of UK newspaper articles were also carried out. In total 79 pieces of research and 88 newspaper articles were found to be in scope. The research literature was prioritised, with initial evidence synthesis drawing on 38 high priority studies. Additional literature was used to fill gaps in understanding, and to provide historical context for contemporary processes.

Key concepts

Conceptualising exclusion

The following report uses a broader definition of exclusion, which incorporates social, spatial, cultural and financial forms of exclusion from housing, with specific reference to the mechanisms through which exclusion operates. Exclusion results in individuals being unable to access the housing that they seek – this may mean exclusion from adequate housing that meets their needs, exclusion from a particular type of housing (for example, with a more secure tenancy), or exclusion from a particular place (for example, with higher housing costs).

Conceptualising mechanisms

The term mechanism appears frequently within sociological literature that seeks to understand cause and effect. This report seeks to highlight such change and continuities within housing systems. Sociological literature has stressed the interpersonal nature of causal processes and mechanisms, which are evident in the dynamic relationships and interactions that take place between individuals in networks and broader social structures (Wacquant, 2015). Within the context of housing systems, we identify mechanisms of exclusion as part of allocations and lettings policies and processes, local authority nominations systems, credit checking, welfare and immigration policies.