The contribution of theories of the state in analyzing local government housing initiatives : the city of Vancouver’s housing actions, 1900-1973

This thesis uses theories of the state in order to explain the City of Vancouver's housing actions from 1900-1973. Theories of the state are used to identify and contribute to an understanding of the constraints and opportunities a municipality faces in intervening in housing. The theoretical discussion, developed by a literature review, is in three major parts. First, the role of the state in capitalist society is discussed. The neo-Marxist perspective of the role of the state is adopted. According to this perspective the state has a two fold role. First the state functions to aid in capital accumulation. Second, the state functions to legitimate the capitalist system. The second part of the discussion rests on theoretical distinctions on the ways in which the state fulfills its role. Pluralist, instrumentalist and corporatist/managerialist perspectives are analyzed and it is concluded that at different times and circumstances it is possible that all three might apply to the way a state acts. The third part of the theoretical discussion is on the local state. The local state is not separate from the state, though it does have some autonomy. In the areas where the local state does have some autonomy the way it acts can be explained by the three differing theoretical perspectives. The history of the City of Vancouver's role in housing is presented by describing policies, programs and plans undertaken by the City from 1900 to 1973. This research was accomplished primarily by reading original government records in the Vancouver City Archives. With respect to housing initiatives, the City was constrained by its financial and jurisdictional ties to the national state. However, this thesis shows that at times the City was able to define its own terms and conditions and exhibit some autonomy. The details of the housing history also show that the City of Vancouver's role was in capital accumulation and the legitimation of capitalism. For most of the period studied the City of Vancouver was the instrument of the capitalist class. However, this neo-Marxist interpretation is tempered by evidence that both the corporate goals of the City itself and the pressure exerted by local interest groups have had a significant impact on the City of Vancouver's housing actions. This is explained by the nature of housing as a consumption item, as well as by the need to account for human elements in state actions. The fact that the local state is necessary for democratic legitimation and that housing can be made important to critical production issues presents opportunities at the local government level for housing reforms.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofGraduat