THE CUMULATION OF INEQUALITY: HOUSING COSTS AND INCOME SUPPORT IN OLD AGE

Abstract

Housing inequalities accumulate over the life course and take on their greatest force in old age. Among the 95 per cent of older people who continue to live in the community, there is a polarisation between the majority of outright home owners and the minority of permanent private tenants. This article identifies the effect of housing tenure and related public policies on standards of living in retirement. Most importantly, it, concludes that increases of Supplementary Assistance are an immediate priority. A major restructuring of taxation, pension, and housing policy is recommended to resolve the more fundamental problems. Copyright © 1984, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved