Reconsidering the interrupted housing pathways of refugees in Flanders (Belgium) from a home-making perspective: a policy critique

Abstract

This article addresses housing and accommodation challenges for refugees in Flanders, a region in Belgium by merging the author’s distinct disciplinary perspectives—architectural and sociological. It builds upon two core concepts in housing literature: ‘housing pathways’ and ‘home-making’. Integrating results of several research projects, the article explores the entire housing pathways of refugees from their arrival up to their settlement in private housing in Flemish cities. We analyse how the Belgian system, in which asylum applicants are mainly housed in large, socially isolated and anonymous accommodation centres, obstructs refugees’ ability to find integrated, affordable and decent housing once their application has been approved. Combining our research insights, the article formulates a policy critique. We contend that home-making processes of refugees in Flanders are problematic because their housing pathways are severely interrupted due to policy gaps related to Belgium’s complex, multi-level government structure.