Qualitative Housing Analysis: An International Perspective brings together key researchers in housing to highlight the critical role that qualitative methodologies can play in enhancing our understanding of complex housing problems and thus assisting policy development. The book builds upon ideas presented in the previous volume in this series (Qualitative Urban Analysis: An International Perspective, 2008). There, Maginn, Thompson and Tonts outlined a vision for a pragmatic renaissance' in contemporary qualitative research in urban studies. They argued that to survive as an effective and frequently used tool for policy development, a more systematic approach is needed in the way that qualitatively-informed urban research is conceptualised and undertaken. The present volume uses housing as a meta-case study to progress the case for a more systematic approach to qualitative research methods. Four principles - replication, duplication, quantification and conceptualisation - are proffered as the foundations of a pragmatic/evolutionary systematic approach for the future sustainability of qualitative research in an evidence-based policy making world. The editors make the case that such an approach will enable the strengths of qualitative research - essentially, its ability to incorporate complex contextual and cultural social phenomena - to be incorporated into critical housing and urban policy. Drawing on specific examples of research from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States this book showcases the efficacy of qualitative methodologies for policy development across a range of housing and homelessness concerns for different communities. Critical reflections are offered in every chapter on the challenges posed for researchers and how their learning might be applied to other research questions and situations. Qualitative Housing Analysis: An International Perspective will have wide appeal to students, research scholars and policymakers in both housing and urban planning. Book jacket.
