Understanding SAFE Housing – putting older LGBT* people’s concerns, preferences and experiences of housing in England in a sociological context

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King, Andrew and Stoneman, Paul. 2017. Understanding SAFE Housing – putting older LGBT* people’s concerns, preferences and experiences of housing in England in a sociological context. Housing, Care and Support, 20(3), pp. 89-99. ISSN 1460-8790 [Article]

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-04-2017-0010

Abstract or Description

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to put the findings of the Secure, Accessible, Friendly and Equal (SAFE) Housing study, which explored older LGBT* people’s housing concerns, preferences and experiences, in a sociological context.

Design/methodology/approach
The SAFE Housing study was based on a mixed methods research design that included focus groups and an online survey conducted in two areas of England. The paper draws heavily on the theoretical concept of social capital to help to understand and explain the findings.

Findings
Findings are grouped into three broad themes: safety, comfort and trust; connections and community; and imagining the future.

Originality/value
This is the first time that an older LGBT housing study has used social capital theory to interpret its findings. This shows how a focus on issues of trust, social networks and connections is expedient to avoid reductive approaches in research, policy and practice to older LGBT* people’s housing choices, preferences and expectations that concentrate on the individual.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-04-2017-0010