Emotions Drive Collective Action in Housing Safety Crises: A Comparative Analysis of England and Ireland

Examining the intertwined nature of emotions and policy making, a recent research study delved into the ongoing housing safety crises in England and Ireland. The investigation focused on the reciprocal relationship between policy ‘makers’ and policy ‘recipients’, analyzing the emotional dynamics at play in these scenarios.

The crises under scrutiny were the post-Grenfell building safety crisis in England and the ‘mica‘ / defective concrete crisis in Ireland. Both incidents underscored the profound impact of housing safety issues on individuals, touching on their sense of security, identity, and future aspirations.

Home, being a sanctuary for most, holds a deep wellspring of emotions. When the sanctity of one’s dwelling is compromised, it evokes strong and complex feelings. In the case studies examined, the threat to people’s homes spurred them to engage with policy processes to seek resolution.

Instances of governmental action, or lack thereof, triggered specific emotions among those grappling with housing safety challenges. The affected individuals found themselves in a perplexing situation where their daily lives and the essence of home were severely affected, yet the policy responses fell short in terms of scale and urgency.

Proposed policy measures, particularly those related to financial assistance for addressing safety concerns, created divisions among the affected, leading to the formation of groups designated as ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. This fragmented collective efforts aimed at finding solutions to the pressing issues at hand.

The inadequacy and inaction of policies in effectively tackling housing safety problems, coupled with the narrative presented by the government and media, served as a catalyst for collective action from impacted individuals and communities. This mobilization sought to compel the government to provide greater support in resolving the housing safety crises.

Collective action not only fostered a sense of solidarity and empowerment but also countered the isolation and stigma faced by those grappling with unsafe living conditions. Grassroots campaigns, led by volunteers with first-hand experience of housing safety challenges, emphasized personal narratives and emotions, aiming to garner empathy and support from the wider public.

Although leveraging personal stories and emotions proved effective in building a movement for policy change, it also placed a burden on individuals already navigating difficult circumstances. Nevertheless, the determination persists among campaigners to advocate for comprehensive policy measures that address the depth of impact caused by living in unsafe and uncertain conditions.