The purpose of this paper is not to give an answer applicable on a short-term basis to some of the most evident problems engendered by our generally accepted policy regarding Low-Cost Housing.

It should be evident to any observer that the very concept of low cost housing, at least as it is understood in North Am erica, is a rather hybrid notion with no foundation, cultural or other except that of political tokenism. Low-Cost Housing is built for those who have not been able to attain the expected standards of an economic ability to purchase their own housing. Society behaves toward the economically underpriviledged as if they do not belong to the main fold; as if they had no past; as if their aspirations were in no way influenced by the ongoing propaganda for economic self-reliance and independence; as if they were some unmotivated group to whom governments should patronizingly cater, by offering “ subsidized social habitats’ ‘; in which they can not help but feel cast off as second rate citizens. We have two housing policies at present—one for those who can acquire their own accommodation and one for those for whom we build low-cost housing.