ABSTRACT
Socio-spatial stigma is a powerful tool, creating boundaries between the so-called deserving and undeserving. This is a two-way process, by which withdrawal of public funds creates poverty, and the stigmatisation of poverty also justifies withdrawal of public funds. However, not only does this process create and recreate poverty, but it is also used to justify capitalist exploitation of specific places. The relationship between the public and private spheres is shifting, and the change has spatial characteristics. This chapter aims to explore the construction of boundaries between private and public housing in Sydney, Australia, including the liminal spaces represented by community housing. Despite having a strong public sector and a functioning social housing programme since the Commonwealth Housing Commission was formed in 1944, at 4.7% Sydney has a very low rate of social housing. The construction of boundaries between private and public is constantly maintained in the housing sector, despite other sectors such as health and education being overwhelmingly accepted as public responsibilities. This ensures a low rate of social housing. The argument is based on 21 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2018 with professionals working within social housing provision or connected to the field through their advocacy efforts or supporting role (e.g., finance). It interrogates symbolic and material boundaries and the connections between them to show their spatial effects. An analysis of the interviews shows that boundaries limiting social housing in Sydney are maintained to reinforce individualism in Sydney’s housing field and safeguard real estate as a private financial asset.
