Land Use and Society in America

by Deke Keasbey

Introduction

Land tenure – A historical overview

Land in America

Considerations in growth management

Demand for living space

Life cycles in residential communities

Urban land

Santa Monica – A case study in growth and rent control

In conclusion

For further reading

. . . previous section: Land tenure - a historical overview

Land in America

How does land affect the way people live in American society? What effects does property ownership have on the manner in which people respond socially? What are some of the important social and political issues that concern people in connection with land use?

The type of property ownership and use in American society may be taken as an index of its social and economic system. Home ownership is an intrinsic part of the American dream. The home is a symbol of American ideals. All their lives, Americans learn to trust its stability and safety. "Culturally and sociologically, the idea of home ownership is one that promotes psychological stability. In their private homes people can assert themselves as individuals. Thus, home ownership is an assertion of individuality and free will," according to historical analyst Nicole Brogdon.

Important political implications coincide with the sociological implications of private ownership. Private home ownership is a statement of an individual's freedom and a form of commitment to the democratic process, as well as a basic element of the free enterprise system. In the United States, homeowners form a stabilizing middle class.

The U.S. government recognizes the important relationship among private home ownership, a prosperous economy, and a secure democracy. Through laws that protect home ownership rights and programs for low income housing, the government encourages home ownership. For instance, in most cases of bankruptcy an individual can legally keep his home. Homeowners also have significant tax benefits because interest paid on home loans is tax deductible.

The government has more interest in promoting home ownership than merely altruism. It takes such active efforts to uphold home ownership because the tradition pulls everyone into the democratic system. Homeowners are concerned, valuable citizens who care about the quality of life and the preservation of their rights because, after all, they have something to lose. By owning homes, citizens are taking an active part in the free enterprise economy, and it is in their best interest to preserve this economic system and the property it has yielded to them. Homeowners are future-oriented. According to Brogdon, they have no desire for quick, revolutionary changes; rather, they wish to maintain their property, and they are interested in local politics because these governmental policies affect them and their property very personally.

In addition to political commitment, home ownership is also a social commitment. Private ownership acts as a safeguard against decay of the physical environment. People care about their own private property. Well maintained property guards against economic blight, which might encourage dissatisfaction and unrest among the people. Private ownership of suitable housing, then, is a key element in the stability of the American capitalistic and democratic system.

. . . next section: Considerations in growth management

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