Housing for Sustainable Societies. Children′s Perception and Satisfaction with Their House in Countries around the World

Abstract

(1) Background: Adequate housing conditions and access to basic house amenities are fundamental human rights and indicators of individual wellbeing. The paper aims to present children’s perception regarding housing conditions and household goods and their impact on children’s overall satisfaction with their house. (2) Methods: We aim to determine the contribution of housing conditions and household goods on children’s satisfaction with their home in 31 countries worldwide. To capture differences in children’s satisfaction with their house based on their housing conditions, we analyzed models conducted on data from 10 lower- and upper-middle-income and 20 high-income countries. We used secondary analysis on data from the third wave of Children’s Worlds: International Survey of Children’s Well-Being (ISCWeb) (87,000 children, aged 10–12, worldwide). (3) Results: The results show that there is a link between the material conditions of the family and children’s satisfaction with the house they live in, and also that having a place to study and access to internet are the main factors related to housing that explain children’s satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: Children mostly appreciate the way housing setting and household goods contribute and ensure their proper development through the creation of a stimulating home learning environment. Results are helpful in setting future standards to increase children’s wellbeing and quality of life, and ensure adequate housing as one of the pillars of sustainable development.

A Study on Recommendations for Improving Minimum Housing Standards

“…The importance of housing, in ensuring the social safety of citizens, as well as supporting social equity, has been emphasized for decades" [26]. Some studies also assert that basic residential conditions or conveniences are necessary to safeguard fundamental human rights and enhance human welfare [27]. Moreover, Azarnert [28] said the following: "Minimum residential conditions requirements may also reduce population density and lead to a decline in social costs associated with population overcrowding and congestion in general" [28].…”

A Study on Recommendations for Improving Minimum Housing Standards

“…The importance of housing, in ensuring the social safety of citizens, as well as supporting social equity, has been emphasized for decades" [16]. Some studies also assert that basic residential conditions or conveniences are necessary to safeguard fundamental human rights and enhance human welfare [17]. Article 17 of the "Framework Act on Residence" stipulates the establishment of minimum housing standards.…”