Women, Housing, and Mental Health

Abstract

This article is concerned with crowding in the home and psychological health in women. After a brief literature review, the relationship is investigated using data from a community survey conducted in West London in 1977. Our findings indicate a J-shaped relationship between internal density and psychological symptoms— low as well as high levels of crowding were detrimental. This pattern was found to persist after relevant intervening variables were controlled for. These findings are interpreted within the context of women's subordination within the home.