The experience and well-being outcomes of tiny house owners in Latin America

Abstract

The ‘tiny house’ (TH) movement has gained increasing popularity around the world, and recent research has investigated the main motivators and challenges of living in THs. However, most research has been conducted in the Global North, such as the US and European countries. This research has identified that increased financial security and mobility, having a simplified and sustainable lifestyle, and developing significant relationships are the main motivators for TH owners. However, less is known about the experiences of TH owners in the Global South, such as Latin American countries. These regions are characterized by a lower purchasing power and less access to credit of citizens, with a high degree of concentration in large metropolitan areas, which may affect the motivators and experiences of TH owners. Drawing on theories of the commons, the aim of this study is to explore the experiences and well-being outcomes of TH owners living in two Latin American countries. We draw on data from 19 interviews conducted in Chile and Argentina with TH owners. The data analysis identified six dimensions of psychological and hedonic well-being that were improved for TH owners in these countries: autonomy, mastery, purpose in life, personal growth, relatedness, and happiness. The findings contribute to the TH literature and are useful for TH businesses, governments, and housing public policymakers in Latin America.