Housing policy in Taiwan, the Republic of China: A case study of Taipei

The analysis of public policy in developing countries, such as the Republic of China (ROC), has focused on economic development and growth. Much less attention has been focused on policy to ameliorate the social problems that are engendered by economic development. If the presumed social benefits of development are to occur, countries that achieve economic takeoff, such as the ROC, must shift policy emphases to ensure this outcome.; This dissertation is a step toward filling the gap in research and knowledge concerning social policy in developing nations. Housing policy in the ROC, and specifically in the capital city of Taipei, provides a case study relevant to this purpose. The study method includes three phases. First, a framework for explicating the dynamics of housing markets in periods of rapid economic development is outlined. This model emphasizes the ways in which rapid economic development may produce unintended negative outcomes, such as housing shortages or problems of affordability. Concepts from the literature on housing markets are adapted and applied to the circumstances of developing countries, and the ROC specifically. This phase articulates the theoretical bases for the case analysis. Second, a comprehensive historical and cross-national review of literature on housing policy supports development of a continuum of policy mechanisms within government-oriented, mixed, and market-oriented categories. This phase of the research develops a clear understanding of housing policy options and their relation to historical, economic, and political context. This provides a framework for both describing housing policy in the ROC, and for developing policy options and recommendations for more effective housing policy in developing nations. Third, the dissertation applies the market and policy frameworks to a comprehensive case study of the development of housing problems and policy responses in the ROC and Taipei. The case analysis focuses on the dynamics of policy development and the assessment of policy efficacy.; In summary, the analysis of the history of housing policy in Taipei enumerates a variety of policy initiatives representing a variety of market-oriented, government-oriented, and mixed policy strategies. The case analysis supports an unexpected conclusion. Within a relatively broad range of policy that represents government regulation and assistance toward specified social goals, setting clear and comprehensive strategies, and implementing them consistently over time, may be more important than the exact mix of policy mechanisms.