DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/V7GJ-5D85

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2530-2299

Defense Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Matthew Bogenschutz

Second Advisor

Alex Wagaman

Third Advisor

Nicole Corley

Fourth Advisor

Kathryn Howell

Abstract

Housing quality is an often overlooked but critical aspect of housing insecurity that often impacts one’s well-being physically, mentally, and socially. As a compromise for affordable housing, some individuals reside in substandard conditions, often lacking essential safety measures and amenities needed for a comfortable and secure living environment. Consistent with broader patterns of housing disparities, Black women renters are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and more likely to live in substandard housing. Although previous literature has explored the impact of poor-quality housing and its characteristics, there is a gap in understanding how Black women renters uniquely perceive and experience housing quality. This exploratory qualitative multi-case study examines the role of intersectionality in developing how Black women renters obtain and maintain quality housing in Columbus, Ohio. The multi-case study involved semi-structured interviews with 21 Black women renters complemented by 7 semi-structured interviews with housing/government officials and archival and photo data to inform the context of Black women renters’ perspectives on housing quality. This study highlights how race, gender, and housing tenure intersect to influence the challenges and strategies involved in obtaining and maintaining quality housing. A reflective thematic analysis of the collected data revealed the following themes: 1) Quality housing makes a home, 2) Because I’m a______, 3) Overlooked & dismissed–Failed & forgotten, and 4) Housing for all means accountability for all. These findings indicate both implications for Black women renters and renters overall, such as the need for more affordable housing more accountability for developers and landlords, and more resources for renters to avoid having to settle for poor quality housing and the consequences that come from living in those conditions. Future research should explore how intersectionality of marginalized identities beyond race and gender impacts renters’ experiences of quality housing. Employing mixed methods may be a means to support a more holistic view of the phenomenon and to inform both policy and practice.

Rights

© Jenee Lee

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-1-2025

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