ABSTRACT
This chapter argues how the 'heart' and the 'head' can be in conflict in social housing organisations who, in response to austerity, find their central mission in question. Home is a place where the journey to authenticity can happen, when that home is allowed, and supported, to be a nurturing space. Trinkets relating to 'home' or culture, held with us, can help to remember who we are to reinforce our authentic identity and, where we don't live 'at home' in our current dwelling place, can make life more bearable. Identity and authentic self is wrapped up in home – either current dwelling if that 'feels like home' or some other place or time. If real home is a place to perform authentic identity, there are many challenges along the way. A balance between the love and duty of home: an agreed pathway between historic traditional ways, and finding place in the modern world.
