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Do Europeans View their Homes as Castles? Homeownership and Poverty Perception throughout Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Duncan Watson

    (Department of Economics, University of Wales, Swansea, UK, d.l.watson@swan.ac.uk)

  • Robert Webb

    (Department of Accounting, Finance and Risk, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G12 9BB, UK, rwe@gcal.ac.uk)

Abstract

The paper investigates the notion that homeownership affects poverty perception. This is investigated by utilising a logit model to analyse various characteristics of homeowners in 11 different European nations. Overall, the analysis fails to reject the notion that homeowners throughout Europe are less likely to perceive themselves as living in poverty, but no evidence is found that homeownership is more valued in nations with high owner-occupancy rates. However, support is found for the notion that homeownership is used as a form of security in countries that experience greater income inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Duncan Watson & Robert Webb, 2009. "Do Europeans View their Homes as Castles? Homeownership and Poverty Perception throughout Europe," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 46(9), pages 1787-1805, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:46:y:2009:i:9:p:1787-1805
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098009106020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Brigitte Buhmann & Lee Rainwater & Guenther Schmaus & Timothy M. Smeeding, 1988. "Equivalence Scales, Well‐Being, Inequality, And Poverty: Sensitivity Estimates Across Ten Countries Using The Luxembourg Income Study (Lis) Database," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 34(2), pages 115-142, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Niu, Geng & Yu, Li & Fan, Gang-Zhi & Zhang, Donghao, 2019. "Corporate fraud, risk avoidance, and housing investment in China," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 18-33.

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