Norm-critical perspectives to increase the capacity of housing associations as change agents

Purpose and goal

The goal was to identify barriers for more inclusive housing cooperative organisations and to explore methods to strengthen the housing cooperatives’ work on climate transition. A variety of barriers to inclusive sustainability work in housing cooperatives were identified by an analysis of existing research and by co-creating ideas with key organisations working with housing cooperatives. Together with the organisations, the project also explored solutions and ideas on how to strengthen housing cooperatives’ work on sustainability and equality.

Expected results and effects

The project has resulted in increased knowledge on the need for new ways to make housing cooperatives more inclusive and sustainable. The project has created new knowledge on barriers and potential solutions. The project has also created a new network between project partners and the invited organisations in the field of housing cooperatives. Through co-creation of knowledge, the project has contributed to increased awareness and knowledge on equality and sustainability issues among the invited organisations.

Planned approach and implementation

The project started with an analysis of existing research, written material from organisations working with housing cooperatives as well as discussions with the organisations, in order to identify barriers to inclusive and sustainable housing cooperative organisations. A workshop with the organisations further explored barriers, solutions, and further cooperation. The project group then drafted ideas on solutions that could be further developed and tested in the next phase and discussed a potential continuation project with the organisations.