Narratives of home and neighbourhood within state-subsidised aged housing in Durban, South Africa

摘要

The purpose of this article is to examine the meaning of 'home' and 'neighbourhood' to individuals living within state-subsidised aged housing, and to explore the role that those meanings play in shaping respondents daily lives and identities. The work is based on an examination of Langeler Towers, a purpose-built housing facility in Durban, South Africa. Drawing on extensive qualitative, participatory fieldwork, including focus groups and creative drawing exercises, the findings suggest that for these individuals 'home' is a deeply personal place attachment that transforms a given place into an expression of an individual's identity, as well as a core element of their concept of self. 'Neighbourhood' can be considered an extension of 'home'- a place of comfort, family, and community. Moreover, these understandings of 'home' and 'neighbourhood' remain largely static throughout the life course and continue to inform residents' identities and expectations during and after their transition into aged housing. However, although residents were willing to negotiate on certain aspects of change during the transition into aged housing, such as their connection to material possessions, social attachments, such as to family, were seen as non-negotiable. For many, being able to maintain a tangible connection to loved ones, either living or deceased, with whom they no longer reside, was the fundamental aspect of 'home' and self-identity. These findings have important ramifications for an increasingly aging and urbanising South African population, and are also relevant for other low or middle-income national contexts.