Workers' Housing and Social Space in Twentieth-century Mexico

Abstract

This paper proposes an analysis of the socio-historical processes between working-class housing projects and social right in Mexico. The historical fight for the right to housing in Mexico in the 20th century is the account of how the working class conquered social space through their organizations and leaders, whose aims were oriented towards obtaining better living conditions for the working-class. The study is based on hemerographic documents (architecture magazines and brochures), census data and historical aerial photographs. The analysis focuses on the interaction of housing projects and working families, pointing out the underlying political processes, as well as adaptations, appropriations, and awareness of the right to adequate housing. The housing for the working-class is also the result of shared social practices and tensions in the society and culture of the time. This paper is structured in three phases: the first one with political actors from the Mexican Revolution and the emergence of housing as a social problem (1882-1924); the second phase describes the social movements of the sindical structures looking for adequate housing (1924-1973); the third phase centered in the institutionalization of social housing in state entities such as INFONAVIT and FOVI (1973-1992).