Development Paradigms for Urban Housing in BRICS Countries
Development Paradigms for Urban Housing in BRICS Countries
Authors: Piyush Tiwari, Jyoti Rao, Jennifer Day
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Publication Year: 2016
About this Book
Development Paradigms for Urban Housing in BRICS Countries explores the diverse strategies employed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to address urban housing shortages. Despite contributing over 50% of global economic growth and 60% of urban population growth in recent years, these countries continue to face significant housing deficits, with a substantial portion of urban populations living in substandard conditions or slums.
The book examines how each country’s political economy, institutional structure, and international context shape its housing policies, highlighting the divergent methods adopted to achieve the common goal of "housing for all." In Brazil, government programs and subsidies have gradually improved access to social housing, while Russia’s post-Soviet reforms shifted housing responsibilities from the state to private ownership, impacting quality and access. India faces a massive shortage compounded by unclear land titles, limited financial resources, and market segmentation that neglects low- and middle-income groups. China has implemented extensive land and housing reforms that have expanded homeownership, though affordability remains a challenge for some populations. South Africa’s post-apartheid policies codify housing as a human right, yet spatial segregation and delivery challenges persist, leaving many citizens underserved.
The concluding chapter applies Amartya Sen’s capability approach to evaluate whether housing policies in these countries translate into real well-being, emphasizing that institutional capacity and policy design are critical determinants of outcomes. The book provides a conceptual framework to compare approaches, understand challenges, and anticipate trends in urban housing across the BRICS economies.
This book is essential for researchers, policymakers, and students in urban studies, development studies, and housing policy.
Contents
- Conceptualizing Housing for All
- Brazil’s Tryst with Housing
- Housing in Russia
- Housing Development in a Developing India
- China’s Land and Housing Reforms: An Institutional and Empirical Timeline
- Housing in South Africa
- Toward a Philosophical Evaluation of Housing for All in BRICS Economies
