Theories of housing quality satisfaction: an overview

Abstract

Housing satisfaction is one of the indicators of the quality of life. It affects all aspects of life dimensions, from physical, economic, social and psychological well-being. Because of its complexity, housing is considered an interdisciplinary research area. Different professions apply different approaches, concepts, models and measures in exploring housing satisfaction. For housing research to be comprehensive, it is necessary to formulate a theoretical framework first. In a large number of scientific papers, researches and projects, housing theories are often partially explained. For this reason, and based on a review of the latest literature, this paper provides a synthesis and overview of the following theories of housing quality satisfaction: the theory of housing satisfaction on which the model of housing satisfaction is based, starts with subjective perceptions, the theory of housing adjustment as the most frequently cited theory in the study of housing quality satisfaction; the housing mobility theory, which places particular emphasis on the housing environment as an important predictor of housing quality satisfaction; the theory on impression formation which is used in examining impressions of the physical aspects of the housing environment and the physical structure of buildings / houses; behavioural theory as the most commonly used theory in geographic study of housing satisfaction; the theory of the hedonistic ergometer as the most well-known theory of affective experiences; the theory of the aspiration spiral that anticipates adaptation effects; the housing price theory that combines housing satisfaction with costs; a functionalist theory that is oriented towards social harmony; the Marxist theory that every living being has the right to adequate housing regardless of economic status and the positivist housing theory which gives precedence to the objective approach. The purpose of this overview is to eatsblish a more comprehensive image in the study of housing satisfaction at all spatial levels (from micro to macro). The concept of housing satisfaction and a critical review of the aforementioned theories, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, are explained and presented in this paper.