Unit 1: The Need for Housing Factors that affect our housing choices

Cultural Influences What accounts for the vast differences in types of housing around the world? Culture- combination of beliefs, customs, and ideas that a group of people have. It includes: traditions, values, social habits, art, religion, etc. For example… In many Middle Eastern homes there are 2 separate living rooms- 1 for the wife & children AND 1 for male visitors.

Cultural Influences Examples: In many Middle Eastern homes there are 2 separate living rooms- 1 for the wife & children AND 1 for male visitors. Also in Middle Eastern culture, their dining rooms have no furniture. Instead they sit on a rug in the floor.

Cultural Influences Household- all the people who live together in one home. Size & makeup of households differ from culture to culture. Nuclear Family- consists of mom, dad, and their children together. There are fewer nuclear families today than in the past. Extended Family- consists of other relatives in addition to parents & children. Single-Parent Family- one parent living with children.

Cultural Influences Examples: On the island of Sumatra, families build their huts in one long rectangle connecting to one another. As many as 100 people, all related, may share a long rectangle house.

Cultural Influences Different cultures have different attitudes toward privacy as well. Living in the city- anywhere in the world provides less privacy than living outside the buzzing community. Fences & plants can easily be put in for privacy. Or you could always buy your own island…

Cultural Influences Status- a person’s job, income, and social position. Size, location, design, and furnishings all can be symbols of status. Building Materials- what can you afford to buy? VS

Cultural Influences Types of rooms in your home and number of rooms are a reflection of status.

Cultural Influences In many cultures, the quantity of land around a house is also a status symbol.

Societal Influences Family structures and roles continue to change. In most families, both parents have to work outside the home. There are more single-parent families now. Builders are now keeping these things in mind as they are building new houses and renovating old ones. Adaptable designs are what most consumers want so that it is easy to change their home as their families needs change.

Societal Influences Personal taste and interior fashions influence housing choices. Although styles and fads change, most people seem to enjoy simplicity and comfort.

Societal Influences Demographics- the statistical characteristics of a population have a great impact on housing. Information is used to gather data on people today, as well as to predict the future trends. The number of people in various age groups will determine the types of housing built. People age 65 and older (The Baby Boomers) make up 20% of the total U.S. population, increasing the need for special housing that is adaptable for an older age group.

Societal Influences Economic conditions affect people’s choice of housing as well as the value of the home they are purchasing. Level of Interest Rates, Unemployment, Inflation, Cost of Living- all impact the housing market. What is the cost of the home? Can you afford to buy or do you need to rent? Most people spend 30-40% of their income on their house payment.

Societal Influences We have become more environmentally aware in recent years. Before the 1900’s insulation in homes was unheard of- no builder today would build a home without insulating. Materials that once cluttered landfills are now recycled and reused in various housing products. Solar panels are no longer odd- many homes have them.

Societal Influences In the U.S. there is a lot of variety when it comes to housing- city, suburbs, small towns, & farmland. Each year approximately 1 out of every 5 people in the U.S. moves. The average American will have homes in their lifetime. People in their mid-20’s move more than any other age group.

Societal Influences Today the home often serves double duty- as home and office. Many entrepreneurs start their businesses from home. Some careers allow you to telecommute- keep in touch through telephone or online.

The Government’s Role State & Local Government’s- –Create plans for future growth of the area. –What will be used for housing? Business & Industry? –Determine locations of schools & parks. –Responsible for public transportation. –Set codes for safety.

The Government’s Role Federal Government Actions- the Great Depression of the 1930’s left millions without adequate housing causing the U.S. Government to step in and help. Public Housing- built by the government, residence pay a percentage of their income as rent. Urban Renewal- run down urban areas are renovated and sold at a reasonable price. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for rent assistance & group housing. They also provide funds to help the aging & disabled population to live on their own.

The Government’s Role The Fair Housing Amendments Act protects people with disabilities from unfair/ discriminatory housing practices. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bans discrimination against people with disabilities and requires that all people must be considered equally when it comes to new construction or renovations. –This means that builders must take into account the needs of all Americans when designing or adapting commercial buildings.

The Government’s Role In the course of 1 year in the U.S. it is estimated that 3.5 million people experience homelessness. Children account for 1/3 of all homeless people. Homelessness is not always related to not having a job. Studies have found that 1 out of 5 homeless people have a job. HUD along with other agencies provide funds for housing the homeless. This is typically done by renovating a building to be used as a shelter.

Partnerships for Housing Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness around the world. It takes partnerships to build Habitat houses. They rely on volunteers. Bringing people with different skills together to work on a project.

Assignment Consider all the people living in your home. List the individuals and describe their lifestyle. Then describe their individual housing needs that would best fit their lifestyle. Don’t forget to include yourself! For Example: MomLifestyle: Works from home, likes to exercise, enjoys cooking and reading. Needs: Home office, workout area or room, nice kitchen, quiet reading area.