Social Theory and Housing Frameworks

In this chapter, we explore multiple theoretical frameworks to gain a comprehensive understanding of housing and community development from the perspectives of the sociology of housing (functional perspectives, conflict perspectives, symbolic perspectives and utilitarianism) for subsequent analysis, highlighting the inspirations from different approaches to the relation between housing and community development. Our research provides a new and unique perspective from the sociology of housing by incorporating a total picture from both macro and micro analysis on the impacts of housing management in community building. Considering that the housing system can be a platform for enhancing liveability, neighborhood quality, social relationships and psychological wellbeing, the inclusive role of housing institutions can serve as building blocks for promoting the cohesive community and social sustainability of Hong Kong as an international city.