The place called home, transcending its physical manifestation as a structure, is a multifaceted concept rooted in social, cultural, and psychological dimensions. Beyond the mere architectural confines, whether expansive or modest, a home embodies a complex interplay of personal, communal, and societal values, fostering a sense of belonging, identity, and security Creswell, p. 109). A home is a spatial unit designed to accommodate the specific needs and preferences of an individual or a group of people. The class discussions on the concept of home ignited profound contemplation regarding the unique connections people have with their homes. These reflections underscored how homes serve as tangible manifestations of personal identity, embodying cherished possessions, deeply held values, and the distinctive patterns of life that individuals have carefully constructed. Within a family, it is noteworthy that individuals residing in a household or sharing a communal area exhibit hierarchies. In modern society, the majority of nuclear families cohabitate, consisting mostly of parents and children, whose lives are predominantly regulated by a framework of norms, sometimes referred to as "culture," which influences our behaviors and attitudes within the household. The article "Walking While Black" by Cadogan (2016) echoes the experiences of other children who grow up in homes with strict regulations and unpleasant environments because it describes how Cadogan's childhood home impacted his life and how society significantly influenced him.
In countries of the Global South, cultural norms significantly influence household management, making the home the primary setting for the experience of gendered disparities (Whitson, 2017). The social distinction and exclusion of women originated within the domestic sphere. The woman is primarily domesticated and anticipated to assume responsibility for all household tasks; thus, the perception is that she is a homemaker. The social distinction of women has exerted a lasting impact on their well-being. Since gender is a social construction, it distinguishes social statuses for assigning rights to men and women from the home space to the larger society. In a stratified system, gender ranks men higher than women, who can be pegged in the same class, which keeps women’s spaces defined either in the home or in society (Lorber, 2000). Although the home seems attractive in description, as it is a space that provides emotional comfort and a unique sense of belonging, analyzing it from another viewpoint may uncover that the total representation of a home can be more negative than it seems. The home space may transform into an environment where individuals endure discomfort, judgment, and mistreatment, resulting in a feeling of homelessness or dislocation within their own asserted space.
In society today, homelessness has existed for a long time in different forms. In the context of Northeastern Nigeria, where I come from, there are so many displaced people who are called internally displaced due to war and insurgency. In this context, people were forcefully moved from their habitats due to the war, and these people temporarily settled in nearby towns and cities public spaces, such as uncompleted schools and housing properties. Not only have they lost their homes but also their place in society, especially those who owned businesses and wealth in their original cities. The internally displaced people face a lot of discrimination and unfair treatment, as they are not treated equally with the original owners of the towns they are temporarily living in which plays out the concept of spatial justice discussed in class. Since homeless persons in NE have occupied public places and claimed them to be their private places, economic responsibilities had to stop for a while in these locations, which puts the larger society at a disadvantage, hence the state of stunted development. The government of this state forcibly ejected internally displaced people (IDPs) from the temporary shelters to unsafe locations without providing adequate support or resources, which represents spatial injustice and a violation of their rights to freedom of movement, security, and equal access to resources. Such actions not only endanger the lives of these vulnerable individuals but also perpetuate cycles of homelessness, displacement, and suffering. By disregarding its obligations to protect its citizens across the geographic sphere of its administration. The government is failing to uphold the principles of spatial justice and equitable access to opportunities for all.
This is a beautifully written reflection on the multifaceted concept of home and the broader issues of displacement and gender roles in society. I connect deeply with the way it captures the personal and societal layers that define home beyond its physicality.For a Ghanaian girl growing up, our home was often seen as a space filled with both warmth and expectations. In many rural areas, for instance, girls were expected to wake up early to fetch water from distant streams, assist with cooking, and care for younger siblings. These daily routines shaped our understanding of responsibility and the role women are expected to play in the household.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, cultural norms in Ghana can create a strong sense of community within the home. Extended families often live together, with aunties, uncles, and grandparents all playing an important role in a girl’s upbringing. Yet, as much as the home fosters a sense of belonging, it can also be a space where gendered expectations limit a girl’s freedom and aspirations, as she may be expected to prioritize domestic duties over education or personal growth. Just as you highlighted the inequalities faced by women in the domestic sphere, many girls in Ghana often feel these societal pressures, navigating the balance between family duty and their individual dreams. Home, while a place of nurture, can also be a space of restriction, reflecting the broader challenges women face in society.
Your writing clearly illustrates the multitudes of meanings associated with "home" and the impact of displacement on one's sense of belonging and security. The notion that homes are more than just a physical location resonates deeply because they are connected with societal expectations, identity, and culture, all of which may empower and limit people. You provide perspective on the often-overlooked social injustices that influence experiences in the home by contrasting domestic gender roles with cultural norms.
ReplyDeleteThe example of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Northeastern Nigeria demonstrates the brutal consequences of forced displacement. In addition to losing their homes, these people experience economic instability, social marginalization, and spatial injustice since the government does not treat them fairly or offer sufficient support. This disregard not only undermines their safety but also promotes cycles of disadvantage, depriving children of the fundamental right to a sense of belonging and stability. Similarly, in Bangladesh, marginalized groups who are displaced due to climate-related migration seek livelihoods in Dhaka. Many are forced to live in slum areas, where they receive minimal resources and limited access to the social benefits enjoyed by other city residents. Their children, too, are deprived of equal opportunities, reinforcing cycles of exclusion and instability. The displacement of home, therefore, restricts their ability to fully integrate into a supportive community, leaving them in a constant state of homelessness even within the city limits.
I think your blog well explains how the concept of "home" extends far beyond physical boundaries, embodying complex social and psychological dimensions. While a home is ideally a place of belonging and identity, this perspective underscores how various forms of displacement and inequality can erode the sense of security it should provide. This reminded me of the reading, “It's not like your home” by Speer when she expresses homeless people’s mental devastation when their tents are removed by force. It is not fair that the threat of government eviction as the barrier prevents their access to domestic space.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your mention of Cadogan’s “Walking While Black” (2016) adds depth, showing how home can also impose restrictive norms that shape future identity and behavior. This theme resonates with global experiences, as seen in Whitson’s work (2017) on the Global South, where cultural expectations often confine women to domestic roles, reinforcing a system that limits gender equality within the household.
In Northeastern Nigeria, displacement due to insurgency exemplifies a profound loss of home and societal standing. Internally displaced people (IDPs) face significant discrimination in unfamiliar towns, amplifying their vulnerability and marginalization. This scenario reflects issues of spatial justice, where displaced individuals are deprived of equal rights to resources and safe spaces. The government’s forced eviction of IDPs without adequate support exacerbates their plight, revealing a critical failure to uphold spatial justice and equity. I think your blog calls for a reevaluation of policies affecting displaced people, stressing the importance of protecting their rights to build a truly inclusive and just society.