Housing Costs As the global population increases, the subject of affordable housing becomes an ever-greater
concern for many. Governments have taken a variety of approaches to tacking this issue, which
have met with equally various levels of success when it comes to ensuring access to reasonably
priced homes. Some have built housing specifically for lower-income individuals, while others have
chosen to implement voucher systems or impose rent controls. Given the growing population
around the world - all of whom need housing - it is worthwhile to explore the implications of
housing costs and what, if any, approach should be taken to make affordable options available for
everyone.
Read and carefully consider these perspectives. Each suggests a particular way of thinking about
housing costs and their affordability
Perspective One: A lack of affordable housing is almost always directly related to stagnating
wapes. While the cost of living increases year after year, earnings do not keep up. As a result, the
best way to make housing more affordable is to find ways to increase pay.
Perspective Two: Finding ways to build smaller, more efficient, and more economical houses and
apartments can manage housing costs. Using innovation to drive down the costs of building and
maintaining dwellings will make it easier for people to find and secure affordable living situations.
Perspective Three Housing costs are simply a product of a functioning free market. Like any
commodity or resource, the cost of buying or renting varies based on supply and demand. There
will always be areas that have cheaper housing and areas that are more expensive.
• examine and assess the perspectives given
• declare and explain your own perspective on the issue
• discuss the relationship between your perspective and those given
Your perspective may be in full or partial agreement, or in total disagreement with any of the
others. Whatever the case, support your ideas with logical reasoning and detailed, persuasive
examples.
Plan and Write Your Essay
Consider the following as you compose your essay:
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the three perspectives provided?
• Identify the insights they present and what they fail to consider.
• Ascertain why a given perspective might persuade or fail to persuade.
How can you apply your own experience, knowledge, and values?
• Express your perspective on the issue, identifying the perspective's strengths and
weaknesses
• Formulate a plan to support your perspective in your essay