Social (in)justice in the era of financialised housing in Porto, Portugal: complaints by residents and political stakes

Abstract

The increasing financialisation of housing provision is exacerbating housing inequalities. This article examines housing-related justice concerns expressed by residents in the city of Porto, Portugal, as recorded in the minutes of City Council Executive public meetings and Municipal Assemblies. The results of text analysis with iramuteq show both distributive and procedural justice concerns: a significant gap between recognition and fulfilment of the right to housing based on need, speculative and hostile housing practices driven by financialisation. The discussion addresses the role of local political institutions in ensuring adequate housing and fair housing practices, as well as the psychosocial impacts of failing to achieve these aims.