THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING MANAGEMENT

Although housing management as an occupational role has existed for ov er a century it hits never received an adequate definition, and its sc ope and emphasis have varied over time. This paper locates housing man agement within the debates on the Mature of the professions and bureau cracy, and suggests that these analyses are inadequate. It is proposed that a more fruitful approach in understanding the nature of housing management is derived from a consideration of its 'social construction '. In support of this interpretation material from qualitative empiric al research with practitioners is presented and analysed. Key responde nts were identified as people working at the boundaries of housing man agement, such as in a caring or support role, since it tons felt that the perceptions of such boundaries were important in defining the limi ts and limitations of housing management. In conclusion it is suggeste d that this is a critical moment for housing management in terms of ac hieving a more rigorous definition of its activities, and of seeking t o resolve the conflict between the pressures to organise around commer cial objectives and to provide a welfare service. Meanwhile there rema ins a somewhat paradoxical situation in that whilst the lack of consis tent practice within housing management weakens its claims to occupati onal strength and legitimacy, these same inconsistencies permit indivi dual practitioners the flexibility to offer a more responsive service to those in need.