Overcrowding in the Household: An Analysis of Determinants and Effects.

Abstract

This study based on interviews from a large stratified probability sample of households in Chicago investigates the effect of household crowding. It focuses on the interpersonal dynamics found in the home and how such dynamics are affected by the spatial and social characteristics of a The authors first establish that the number of persons per room is a good objective measure of household crowding. They also establish that the availability of rooms plays a critical role in determining the nature of interaction that occurs in the household. The study demonstrates that household crowding at levels that are common in the United States can have a substantial negative impact on mental health physical health and child care. It also shows the need to focus on the subjective experience of crowding as measured by the level of privacy and social demands experienced as well as on objective measures such as number of persons per room. Consideration is given to the effects of crowding on fertility ethnicity and household composition of persons living in crowded conditions. (EXCERPT)