3.2.4. The Market SHH
This form of SHH is the objective of neo-liberal policy.
Indeed, with the focus on the market, neo-liberals argue that an individual may
find everything that he/she needs. He/She can purchase land, the materials of
construction and the all necessary materials in the market. This kind of SHH
may be qualified as the most successful SHH as it is the expression of Turner's
dream (the full appropriation of housing process by an individual) without
acting illegally. It may be recommended where the economic situation provides
opportunities to everyone to determine his/her ends and to find ways to attain
it. In comparison to the third form of SHH described above, this fourth form of
SHH called sometimes «market driven» (see South African Housing White
paper) explains the situation of economic stability while the second and the
third form of SHH is the manifestation of economic crisis. In this sense, as
the main objective of neo-liberalist policies is to help developing countries
to stabilize their macro-economy through economy growth (Colclough, 1991a), the
market SHH is the expression of liberalism and neo-liberalism.
However, it may be said that this kind of SHH is appropriate
for rich people and is welcomed in capitalist societies. Besides, it reinforces
the gap existing between poor people and rich people. If the State cannot
support those who are unable to adequately solve their housing need, the fourth
form of SHH may force low-income families to develop squatter settlements or to
find their own way of solving their housing need. As a result, the poorest of
the poor will not have another alternative than to resort to illegality and
informality.
Consequently, this SHH will only favour a specific group, more
specifically in poor countries and penalize others, especially those with great
differences in household income, for example in a country with a high GINI
co-efficient. It may be said that this kind of SHH is not appropriate as
policy for developing countries. Indeed, it requires economic stability, high
level of education and the ability of people to perform in the market.
Nevertheless, developing countries including South Africa, which may be
considered as one of the most advanced developing countries, do not yet attain
this level. In sum, the fourth form of SHH is not appropriate for developing
countries which still struggle for economic growth and macro economic
stability.
In the description of the different forms of SHH, it is
acknowledged that each form presents strengths and weaknesses as well. The
section below will emphasize strengths and weaknesses of SHH.
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