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Rational Fictions and Imaginary Systems: Cynical Ideology and the Problem Figuration and Practise of Public Housing

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  • Joe Crawford
  • John Flint

Abstract

This paper aims to show how Van Wel's theory of problem figuration, Carlen's concept of imaginary systems and Zizek's notion of cynical ideology may advance our theoretical and empirical understanding of the contemporary construction of housing policy narratives and embedded localised housing practise. Applying this theoretical framework to a case study of responses to homelessness in Scotland and further illustrative examples from the UK and the USA, the paper examines how housing practise is constituted through different imaginaries of housing systems. These are based on fictional as well as rational elements, located within a form of cynical ideology whereby actors act 'as if' the realities of the present housing crisis are distanced from the imagined intended functioning of housing systems. This masks alternative social realities and denies an explicitly articulated politics of housing which would reveal new processes of capitalism, generational and class realignments and a reframing of the role of government itself.

Suggested Citation

  • Joe Crawford & John Flint, 2015. "Rational Fictions and Imaginary Systems: Cynical Ideology and the Problem Figuration and Practise of Public Housing," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(5), pages 792-807, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:chosxx:v:30:y:2015:i:5:p:792-807
    DOI: 10.1080/02673037.2015.1013092
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    Cited by:

    1. Joe Crawford & Kim Mckee & Sharon Leahy, 2020. "The Right to Rent: Active Resistance to Evolving Geographies of State Regulation," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(3), pages 415-428, May.
    2. John Flint, 2019. "Encounters with the centaur state: Advanced urban marginality and the practices and ethics of welfare sanctions regimes," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 56(1), pages 249-265, January.

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