The Housing Crisis Unveiled: The Dismantling of Building Trades Training and Its Consequences
The ongoing housing crisis in the United States has sparked much debate and controversy. But why are we surprised by this crisis when we have been dismantling training programs for the building trades for the past half-century? Should this indeed be classified as a real issue or a perceived problem?
In the United States, the average home is an impressive 2,400 square feet, built on a lot of 9,000 square feet, which is a lot of space for a traditional family of four. While it is true that there are unhoused individuals and advocates argue that housing is a human right, are we really providing the necessary infrastructure for such expansive housing needs? How much space do people actually need? A quick look at history and other parts of the world paints a clearer picture.
Historical Perspective on Housing Needs
Take a look at historical housing needs. The pioneers in the early days of America lived in simple sod huts and log cabins, which were significantly smaller than the average home today. Throughout history, people have managed with less space, so why should the modern-day standards be any different?
Even within the United States, the average size of homes has been declining over the years. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median size of newly built single-family homes has been reducing since the mid-2000s. In fact, a home that was deemed large in the 1950s would now be considered small by today’s standards. This trend suggests that there is a cultural shift, and perhaps less emphasis on large, spacious homes, even during economic booms.
The Impact of Dismantling Building Trades Training
The lack of building trades training has profound implications. After World War II, the US experienced a severe housing shortage, but the returning GIs contributed to solving this problem, often because many of them had some basic carpentry skills, and their fathers often shared their expertise. However, over the decades, many factors contributed to the neglect of educating skilled tradespeople.
One major player in this narrative is the stigma associated with blue-collar work. Historically, tradesmen were underpaid and often looked down upon by the broader society. Additionally, the American financial system incentivized certain behaviors. For example, it was not uncommon for real estate agents to be paid more than the people who built the houses they sold. This systemic anomaly contributed to the devaluation of skilled labor.
Another significant factor is the push for all children to attend college. Parents often wanted their sons to pursue higher education, believing that a college degree would lead to financial success, which is not always the case. The rising costs of higher education and the perceived prestige of academia only exacerbated this trend.
Education and Cultural Shifts
The women's movement also played a role in the decline of shop classes. While women were encouraged to participate in professional and technical programs, often becoming skilled tradeswomen, many did not or did not want to, leading to a gradual decline in the availability of such programs. Over time, trade schools were defunded, watered down, and eventually disappeared almost entirely from the educational landscape.
Adding to the strain on the building trade workforce, the "tough on crime" policies imposed mass incarceration, further depleting the skilled labor force. Simultaneously, popular culture, often portrayed in movies, depicted builders as slow and stupid, further diminishing the appeal of this profession. This cultural shift towards white-collar careers has made it even harder for aspiring tradespeople to pursue the skilled trades.
Conclusion
The current housing crisis is not just about the physical shortage of housing units; it is also a crisis of skilled labor. By dismantling vocational education and neglecting the training of building trades, we have created a situation where the demand far outstrips the supply. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to address this issue, such as reviving vocational education, supporting apprenticeship programs, and fostering a more positive cultural attitude towards skilled trades.
The solution is not only pragmatic but also ethical—ensuring that everyone has access to the shelter they need is a fundamental human right. Through concerted efforts, we can address the housing crisis and rebuild a more resilient and equitable society.