Abstract

The introductory article of this special issue on housing social inequalities looks at the characteristics and challenges of housing policy interventions in Italy. It argues that the phenomenon of housing inequality is complex and multidimensional. It touches on questions such as mounting inequality, income poverty, life course transitions, productive sectors, policy areas among other questions. Therefore housing policies are a multi-dimensional issue that may have consequential contradictory effects. In this regard, a reflection on social mix is carried out: new policies of social mixing require critical attention with regard to their ability to produce an inclusive urban regeneration. Finally health inequalities related to housing conditions are also discussed, underlying the role of policies in reducing housing inequalities.