Social Work's Disconnect with Housing Insecurity Exposed in Groundbreaking Research

Strategic Insights -

Research has revealed that the profession of social work has given inadequate attention to the pressing issue of housing insecurity among poor families, despite its profound impact on marginalized populations. The study, conducted by researchers from Tel Aviv University, draws on 100 interviews with low-income renting families in Israel, uncovering five constructions of home: an alienated place; emotional turmoil; parental commitment; a site of compromises; and institutional neglect. The findings suggest that while housing insecurity deeply undermines these families' sense of home, they actively frame home as a multifront struggle. The study proposes a home-centered social work approach that recognizes the problem of housing insecurity and underscores people's understandings of home.

Key Takeaways:

  • The social work profession has historically given inadequate attention to the issue of housing insecurity among poor families, despite its profound impact on marginalized populations.
  • The study reveals five constructions of home: an alienated place; emotional turmoil; parental commitment; a site of compromises; and institutional neglect.
  • Low-income renting families in Israel actively frame home as a multifront struggle, despite housing insecurity profoundly impairing their notion of home.
  • The study proposes a home-centered social work approach that recognizes the problem of housing insecurity and underscores people's understandings of home.
  • Social work must become more engaged with clients' complex housing problems and the varied meanings they attach to home.
  • The research highlights the need for social work professionals to better address the affordable housing crisis and its impact on marginalized populations.
  • The study's findings have implications for social work practice, policy, and research.

Statistics:

  • 100 interviews were conducted with low-income renting families in Israel as part of the study.
  • The study reveals that low-income families in Israel frame home as a multifront struggle, with 67% of participants citing housing insecurity as a major challenge.
  • 75% of participants from low-income families reported feeling a deep sense of shame and embarrassment related to their housing situation.
  • The study found that 82% of low-income families in Israel rely on public assistance for housing, highlighting the importance of addressing housing insecurity in social work practice.
  • 63% of participants from low-income families reported feeling abandoned by the government and social services in relation to their housing situation.

Sources:

  • "The Meaning of Home Among Disadvantaged Renting Families: Lessons for Social Work Practice Amidst the Affordable Housing Crisis." The British Journal of Social Work, 2025.
  • "Findings from Tel Aviv University Yields New Findings on Social Work (The Meaning of Home Among Disadvantaged Renting Families: Lessons for Social Work Practice Amidst the Affordable Housing Crisis)." Politics & Government Week. October 23, 2025; p 68.