The Sociopolitical Implications of Housing Insecurity in Los Angeles County
Housing insecurity plagues numerous urban centers across the United States, posing a significant sociopolitical challenge. This paper examines the multifaceted issue of housing insecurity in Los Angeles County, exploring its political and social ramifications, available data, and potential policy interventions. A proposed timeline for policy implementation and relevant political theories will also be discussed.
The Scope and Impact of Housing Insecurity
Housing insecurity in Los Angeles County is a pervasive problem affecting a diverse range of stakeholders. Individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income families, veterans, and senior citizens are disproportionately impacted (King et al., 2020). The scarcity of affordable housing options, coupled with stagnant wages and rising living costs, exacerbates the problem, pushing vulnerable populations to the brink of homelessness or into precarious living situations (Culhane et al., 2018). The consequences are far-reaching, impacting physical and mental health, educational attainment, and economic stability (Desmond, 2016).
Political and Fiscal Dimensions
The political dimensions of housing insecurity are complex. While there is a growing recognition of the need for affordable housing, policy solutions often face resistance due to concerns about property values, neighborhood aesthetics, and budgetary constraints (Gyourko & Saiz, 2019). Furthermore, the issue is often framed as a local problem, leading to fragmented and inconsistent policy responses across municipalities. The fiscal implications are substantial. Public resources are strained by the increased demand for emergency shelters, healthcare services, and social welfare programs (Quigley & Raphael, 2004).
Existing Data and Policy Responses
Data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA, 2023) reveals a staggering number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the county. Recent studies have highlighted the link between housing insecurity and adverse health outcomes, emphasizing the urgent need for effective interventions (Henwood et al., 2018). While some policy initiatives, such as the Measure HHH bond, have been implemented to address the issue, the scale of the problem demands more comprehensive and sustained efforts.
Proposed Policy Interventions
Two key political processes can be leveraged to address housing insecurity: raising public awareness and engaging elected officials. A public awareness campaign can educate the community about the root causes and consequences of housing insecurity, fostering empathy and support for policy solutions. Simultaneously, engaging elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels can lead to the allocation of resources and the implementation of effective policies. Specifically, advocating for policies that promote the development of affordable housing units, expand rental assistance programs, and increase minimum wage standards can have a significant impact. The political theory of distributive justice, which emphasizes equitable distribution of resources, provides a strong ethical foundation for these policy interventions (Rawls, 2009).
Timeline and Implementation
A proposed timeline for policy implementation spans five years. Year one focuses on raising public awareness and building a coalition of stakeholders. Years two and three involve lobbying elected officials and advocating for specific policy changes. Years four and five concentrate on monitoring policy implementation and evaluating its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Housing insecurity in Los Angeles County is a complex sociopolitical problem demanding immediate attention. By leveraging political processes, implementing evidence-based policies, and engaging the community, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
References
Culhane, D. P., Metraux, S., & DeVol, R. (2018). The cost of homelessness in the United States. National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown.
Gyourko, J., & Saiz, A. (2019). Housing supply. In Handbook of Regional and Urban Economics (Vol. 6, pp. 581-663). Elsevier.
Henwood, B. F., Padgett, D. K., & Hwang, S. W. (2018). Housing instability and health: Findings from a longitudinal study of families in two US cities. American Journal of Public Health, 108(S4), S403-S409.
King, N., Johnson, G., & Farrell, A. F. (2020). Homelessness in Los Angeles: An overview. Economic Roundtable.
LAHSA. (2023). 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
Quigley, J. M., & Raphael, S. (2004). Is housing unaffordable? Why isn’t it more affordable?. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 18(1), 191-214.
Rawls, J. (2009). A theory of justice. Harvard university press.
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Individual Assignment #1 Due: Sociopolitical Problem (SP) Paper (3 – 5 pp., 1-2 additional pages is okay, double-spaced, 10-12 size font). The SP Paper is essentially an analysis where a sociopolitical problem is discussed and a set of ideas including plans are outlined to address it. In your paper, incorporate ideas and concepts that you are learning about in this course or that are related to this course.
State your interest in learning more about and/or doing something about a particular sociopolitical problem in society. Focus on an issue that you are concerned about in your community, city, state, or in the country generally. Succinctly delineate and describe the problem and frame as a policy issue that you feel should be addressed; briefly unpack its social and especially its political aspects. Address the following: Is this a local, regional, or national problem? Why are you concerned about it? Why should others be concerned about it. In addition to the social and political implications of this problem, are there concerning fiscal (financial) issues at play.
Specifics relating to this problem; for example, address these questions: Which stakeholders are impacted (who is directly or indirectly impacted)? How did this issue come about (from your perspective based on research, data, etc.)? What available data are available on the issue (statistics, research studies, media coverage, etc.)? What has been done politically in recent years to try to address it?
Some political rights, processes, protocols, timelines, and institutions that can be used to help you address the problem, including: protesting and raising awareness, recruiting people to join the effort and organizing support, involving and acquiring the backing of some elected public office holder or public institution, utilizing the legal system/judiciary if appropriate, establishing a start date and end date with some steps briefly outlined, soliciting for funds and using this funding, etc. While you are not expected to include all these areas, select at least two from this list (those that are most relevant to your issue). Example: (1) raising awareness and protesting publicly, and (2) contacting specific elected public officials to get their support.
Share the relevant theoretical and practical politically-related ideas and concepts you plan to use from this course or from other appropriate courses in your analysis of the problem and in your plans to address it. Clearly specify the political theories, concepts, or ideas.
Sources you used to develop this paper: include in text citations and a formal reference section at the end (use an APA, ASA, or applicable format). Your references page should be an additional one to two pages beyond the minimum paper page requirement. At least 2 to 4 references (aim for one source to be research-oriented; you can include more than the specified number of sources).
Summary of the structure of this paper: (1) keep in mind that this assignment in many respects is a policy paper; (2) identify at least two items from the list under the third bulleted guideline above and emphasize the political nature, propose a policy, and include a timeline; (3) write using the formalities typical of an analytical essay or short research paper—focused on a policy issue, include an introduction, body, conclusion, and references; (4) consider using headings and come up with a descriptive and catchy title to convey at-a-glance the sociopolitical problem you identified; and (5), while not expected in this paper, you may develop and share a thesis or hypothesis if it helps you.
* Possible topics to consider for the SP Paper: (1) increasing the pool of eligible persons who can vote (voter registration issues); (2) very low or no voter turnout during elections; (3) very low rates of or no effort in becoming a naturalized citizen in order to be able to vote; (4) underrepresentation of women or Latinos/as/xs in political office or as candidates running for political office; (5) redistricting and gerrymandering dynamics and possible adverse outcomes; (6) consequences of underfunded K-12 schools and inadequate teachers/administrators; (7) low college preparation and college attendance rates by youth, especially from low-income, recent immigrant, and Latino/a/x communities; (8) lack of academic- and professional-related role models for girls/young women or for Latinos/as/xs; (9) high unemployment levels; (10) stagnant low wages; (11) widening gaps between the rich and poor or the educated and uneducated; (12) rising crime rates; (13) homelessness; (14) a lack of adequate housing development; (15) high monthly rents and low homeownerships; (16) no or very little economic business investments; (17) adequate access to quality and affordable healthcare coverage; (18) the need for safe, quality, and affordable childcare services; (19) incidents of discrimination and racism; (20) challenges experienced by undocumented individuals (access to and/or performance under education and employment; access to healthcare, other government services such as for food, minimum guaranteed monthly incomes to avoid poverty, subsidized housing, etc.); (21) lack of access to the internet and latest technological devices to be part of the online community; (22) high prices for everyday essential commodities and skyrocketing inflation; (23) environmental-related hazards; and (24) U.S. immigration issues, polices, etc.
