The Law of Housing Inequality

A theoretical exploration

Abstract

Differences in the quality, size and location of people’s homes are often linked  to  differences  in  individuals’  economic  status.  This  disparity  in  housing  is  known  as  housing  inequality.  The  article  displays  how  the  interplay  between  law  and  economics  enables  and  enhances  housing  inequality. The concept of “the law of housing inequality” is introduced to  demarcate  an  object  for  further  research.  The  article  argues  that  housing  inequality  is  a  necessary  feature  of  the  neoliberal  economic  paradigm, but not necessary in relation to other paradigms. Addressing the  problem  of  housing  inequality  therefore  requires  a  holistic  view  of  the legal-economic system.