Overcrowding in Bangladeshi Households

A Case Study of Tower Hamlets, London

Elaine Kempson

New research based on the best-selling Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities and follow-up in-depth interviews.

It is widely acknowledged that Bangladeshis are amongst the most disadvantaged of Britain's communities. Many live in deprived areas, and, with traditionally large families, are more likely to suffer the effects of overcrowding than their white counterparts and other sectors of the community. Recent research (Modood, 1997) has confirmed this extent of poverty and overcrowding and shown that Bangladeshis are by far the poorest group in the country - poorer even than lone parents and pensioners .

This raises a number of important questions for those concerned with housing policy. What is the underlying cause of overcrowding? Is it attributable to family structure - to very large or multi-generational families? Is it primarily economic? Is is due to inappropriate or inadequate housing stock? Are some households overcrowded through choice based on cultural preferences or is it forced upon them? What effect does overcrowding have on peoples lives: their personal relationships and health?

This report, based on case study research undertaken in Tower Hamlets, explores these issues and looks at the key components of overcrowding which housing associations and local authorities need to address: from designing different types of housing to suit specific cultural needs, to implementing changes in housing management and financing structure, to better address the needs of minority tenants. It is based on statistical analysis of the best-selling Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities as well as with in-depth interviews with households living in overcrowded conditions.

£15.00 paperback ISBN 0 85374 760 1
March 1999 96 pages A4