Analysis of factors affecting the realization of right to adequate housing in Iran: developing an interpretive-structural model

Abstract

Purpose Access to adequate housing represents a right entitled to any individual, as has been acknowledged by all states around the world. In Iran, despite the declaration of this right as per the Article 31 of Iran’s Constitution, it is yet to be realized. The purpose of this study is to developing a model for realization of the right to the adequate housing. Design/methodology/approach The present research was performed through a guided qualitative method. Structural-interpretative modeling was performed to present the model of right to adequate housing, and Mic Mac analysis was conducted for clustering the identified factors. Statistical population was composed of housing experts, with the samples taken via purposive sampling technique. Findings Based on the findings, the following factors were found to impose the largest effects on the realization of the right to adequate housing: alignment with ideology and beliefs of society; governance structure related arrangements; social structure related arrangements; improving security of tenure; justice in tenure; and local requirements. Practical implications Findings of this research contributes to increasing the awareness of the housing officials about their policies, reminding them the necessity of revisiting their routines for policy-setting. Indeed, they must switch from centralized policymaking to localized (provincealization) policymaking. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to investigate the right to adequate housing in Iran, elaborating on the relationship between relevant theories and practical issues.