Abstract
Few studies have examined the impact of housing discrimination on health. This study explores potential pathways linking housing discrimination and health using concept mapping, a mixed-method approach. Participants included employees from twenty Fair Housing Organizations nationwide who participated in two online sessions, brainstorming, and structuring. Responses were generated representing biological, social, economic, and physical connections between housing discrimination and health. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, five clusters were identified: (1) Access and barriers; (2) Opportunities for growth; (3) Neighborhood and communities; (4) Physical effects of housing discrimination; and (5) Mental health. Clusters 1 (4.09) and 2 (4.08) were rated as most important for health, while clusters 2 (3.93) and 3 (3.90) were rated as most frequently occurring. These findings add to the limited evidence connecting housing discrimination to health and highlight the need for studies focusing on the long-term health effects of housing discrimination on individuals and neighborhoods.
Highlights
Our findings are meant to serve as an exploration of the topic and establish some of the potential pathways for future studies to test through other data collection and analysis methods. This year (2018) marks the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, segregation continues to persist across the US because of the enduring discriminatory government policies in addition to illegal practices within the real estate industry (National Fair Housing Alliance 2018)
More evidence is needed to solidify the pathways in which housing discrimination are negatively impacting individuals’ lives and communities
Based on findings from this study, more evidence is needed to better understand how neighborhood changes, and neighborhood characteristics are associated with housing discrimination incidents and outcomes, respectively, and the adverse health effects experienced by those who encounter housing discrimination
Summary
The federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability, related to the purchase, rental, leasing, sale, or financing of a residence, so as to contribute to segregated housing patterns or to prevent neighborhood, community, or development choice (Calmore 1997; US Department of Justice 2017). Many state or local laws prohibit discrimination based on marital status, sexual orientation, source of income, military discharge status, age, and other locally-protected classes (Calmore 1997). In 2017, there were 28,843 reported complaints of housing discrimination across the U.S, a 2.3% increase compared to the previous year.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
