posted on 2020-04-23, 14:22authored byC Di Feliciantonio, MB Aalbers
In this article we analyze the historical roots of neoliberal housing policies, mottos, and principles in Italy and Spain, two countries with a Mediterranean welfare regime, showing how they are embedded in the twentieth-century fascist–dictatorial regimes of Mussolini and Franco. To stimulate economic growth in a situation of autarchy, both regimes saw the construction sector and the promotion of homeownership as keys to fuel the accumulation process while believing this guaranteed social order. After acknowledging these long-standing roots, we show how the current phase of neoliberalism, characterized by severe austerity policies, relies on similar principles, the main reforms approved in both countries proceeding mainly toward cuts to service provisions and resources, whereas the promotion of homeownership remains unchallenged.
Funding
The work of Manuel B. Aalbers was generously supported by European Research Council (Grant number 313376).
History
Citation
Housing Policy Debate, 2018, 28 (1), pp. 135-151
Author affiliation
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Version
AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Published in
Housing Policy Debate
Volume
28
Issue
1
Pagination
135-151
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge) for Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech