The writings of Colin ward and the legacy of anarchism for housing studies

Keith Jacobs

Housing Studies, 2025, vol. 40, issue 6, 1477-1494

Abstract: British anarchist Colin Ward (1922–2010) wrote extensively on housing issues. His work offers insights on governmental power and alternative forms of organisation. Whilst Ward’s views have been discussed in social theory his housing analysis has been somewhat overlooked. The article addresses this gap by situating Ward within a post war intellectual milieu as well as housing concerns such as: private property and household autonomy; the role of the state; and tenant participation. The main part of the article explores the relevance of Ward’s work for addressing housing challenges. It is claimed that Ward’s writings offer both a trenchant critique of managerially inspired policies and a set of political interventions that merit consideration. The concluding discussion assesses the value of Ward’s contribution and some of the problematic issues that arise from his analysis.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/02673037.2024.2359411

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