Diversity and social cohesion: What role for housing policy and assistance?

Recent eruptions of violence around a housing estate in Macquarie Fields (Sydney) have again highlighted the complex and sometimes fragile relationships between cultural diversity, poverty and social cohesion. This case raises questions about the role of housing and housing assistance in contributing to or mediating potential community conflict – including in the most disadvantaged of neighbourhoods. For example, what is the ‘right’ mix of public tenants? How can housing be regenerated to facilitate community? What effects, positive and negative, does tenure mix have on the community more broadly? Assumptions about the answers to these questions lie at the heart of much present day housing policy and housing management practice – yet in reality there is very little systematic evidence that addresses them. This paper reports on AHURI funded research exploring the links between housing, housing assistance and a host of non-shelter outcomes, under the umbrella ‘social cohesion’. Social cohesion is a concept that describes social connectedness, taking account of economic inequalities. It is prominent in European and UK housing policy and may also provide means for better understanding and intervening in the relationship between housing, housing assistance and a host of non-shelter outcomes in Australia. The paper reviews existing evidence about the relationship between housing, housing assistance and social cohesion; presents a conceptual framework for understanding these relationships, and critiques the relevance of the social cohesion concept for housing policy in Australia. It also indicates how the empirical part of the research will proceed. The policy challenge being addressed by this research is ensuring that the best possible community outcomes are facilitated by government through the delivery of housing policy and assistance, whilst allowing for a diversity of cultures and lifestyle preferences.