Abstract
In this study, social housing policies developed for the housing needs of the poor citizens in Turkey and the Netherlands were examined. In this context, the aim of the study is to compare the extent of social housing policies implemented in Turkey and the Netherlands by presenting both countries policies on this subject. Another goal of this study is to develop suggestions based on research results. Most important roles in determining the social housing policies in Turkey belong to central administration. In the Netherlands, the central administration has transferred its authorization to local municipalities and housing associations. The data obtained were analyzed with the Maxqda data analysis program. At the end of the analysis, similar and different aspects of social housing policies have been presented. As a result, although there are similarities found in housing finance, it has been observed that there are different policies in terms of housing supply. In this context, policy transfer is a recommended approach that will contribute to the solution.
TopIntroduction
Shelter, which is one of the basic needs that a person needs in order to survive, also affects the quality of life. The need for shelter that emerges for protection from dangers and natural conditions is among the basic needs. Although the need for shelter existed in every period of history, changed according to periods and climate, it continues to increase today. Especially with the increasing population in cities, the housing problem also increases. The need for shelter, which is as old as the history of humanity, started to emerge as a housing problem in the face of the increasing population with the effect of industrialization (Karakaş, 2015: 48). The State began to play a more active role in this field due to the fact that the housing needs of the increasing population in the industrial zones and the economic and social needs it brought along could not be met (Keleş, 1966:168). The housing problem was not considered much until World War I. Housing provision is an area where the State is not involved, where everybody has a solution to their own housing needs. Housing problems in cities increased with World War II. The destruction of cities as a result of wars has been one of the main factors that increase the housing problem. The housing problem has started to be a problem that concerns all parts of society. During this period, the solution to the housing problem was realized with the State intervention, and comprehensive housing policies were prepared (Ertürk, Sam, 2011:56-61). Post-war destructions caused economic and social problems in societies. States did not remain silent in this situation and thought that housing should be provided for economic and social development. In this context, it can be said that the housing supply has started to become a public service. Covering the housing right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) published after the Second World War shows that the housing problem has been noticed by international platforms. In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is clearly seen in this article that “everyone has the right to nutrition, clothing, housing and medical care for their own and their family's health and welfare ...” (İHEB, 1948:4;25). It was also emphasized that everyone has the housing right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Keleş, 2007). In 1966, with the International Covenant on Social and Cultural Rights, the housing right was recognized again (TMMOB, 2013:5). With this covenant, the housing right has been counted among the necessary needs to reach an adequate standard of living.
House has broader meanings than being a physical space consisting of four walls and a roof. In this context, the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) held in Istanbul is of a guiding nature. The content of the housing right has been clarified in Habitat II by emphasizing that everyone should have healthy, safe, comfortable, and sufficient housing for a legal benefit (Akalın, 2016:108). Housing is among the basic human needs, and this need should be met by meeting certain standards (Balkır, 2012: 341). While participating in many international conventions regulating the housing right, Turkey also gives place to the housing right in the Constitution. Under the heading of housing right in section 57 of the Constitution “State takes measures to meet the housing need within a planning that takes into account the characteristics of cities and environmental conditions, and also supports mass housing initiatives.” statement is included. Considering the concepts in this section, it is seen that the responsibilities of the central administration and the construction of mass housing are included.
The housing problem gained a place among the social, economic, and political problems in the period between the World Wars. Non-profit adequate housing production and meeting the housing needs of especially low-income families have started to be included in the housing policies of the States. Even if it was not named as social housing policy then, the period between the World Wars is considered as the beginning of the housing practices (Keleş, 1966:168).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Housing Cooperatives: Enterprises controlled in line with common economic, social, and cultural needs are called cooperatives. Housing cooperatives are also businesses established for housing needs.
Urban Population: Refers to the number of people living in urban areas. According to data from the World Bank, as of 2019, 75.63% of Turkey's is urban population.
TOKI: It is a public institution whose primary purpose is the production of social housing.
Social Housing: Housing produced by the state for low- income citizens. There is no profit motive in the production of these houses.
Rural Area: These areas are where agriculture and animal husbandry are common, and the population is less than the cities.
Poverty: It is the situation of not having enough income to meet basic needs. Especially, not being able to provide basic needs such as food, drink, shelter, clothing.
Public Policy: It is the preparation and implementation of decisions that affect the lives of citizens.