Discourse Analysis on the "housing crisis" in the UK: dominant narratives

1. Abstract

This research paper tests whether current ideas about the “housing crisis” in the UK are reflected in the media. It uses thematic content analysis as part of a discourse analysis methodology to conclude that the findings are consistent with existing discourse analysis on the “housing crisis”. Additionally, it offers insights into further research for narrative formation.

2. Introduction

Perception of housing in the UK is interesting as it intersects with many aspects of social life such as sense of identity and community as well as revealing fault lines between different socio-economic groups (Slater, 2018). Moreover, housing is a deeply contested and political discourse in the UK following step-change in housing policy since the Thatcher era (Gallent et al., 2018). The Housing Act 1980 created one of the largest transfer of assets, allowing five million council house tenants “Right to Buy” their own homes from the local authority (Gallent et al., 2018). While this prompted excitement of the housing market, it also changed the perception of housing in the UK. The Conservative political machinery had managed to convince the masses that ownership of homes was an aspiration and a sense of achievement (Slater, 2018).

Thus, this research looks at the dominant narratives around the “housing crisis” since 1980s which has persisted as of 2020 (for nearly half a century).