David Broockman, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, challenges the conventional views of NIMBYism by emphasizing the role of deep-seated beliefs about symbols like cities rather than mere self-interest. He explores the surprising support for housing density among homeowners and highlights how public perceptions are influenced by generational attitudes and biases against large developers. Broockman also discusses the YIMBY movement's rise and the significance of policy evaluation to address housing needs for lower and middle-income families.
NIMBYism is driven more by personal preferences for urban versus suburban lifestyles than by concerns over financial self-interest.
Public perceptions of who benefits from housing developments significantly influence support or opposition to new projects in communities.
Generational differences in attitudes toward urban living create varying levels of support for housing policies, particularly between younger and older populations.
Deep dives
The Roots of NIMBYism
NIMBYism, or 'Not In My Backyard' sentiment, often arises from fears about property values tied to new developments. However, recent research suggests this concern may not be the primary driver of opposition to housing projects. Studies indicate that homeowners and renters exhibit similar resistance to new housing, indicating that opinions are more linked to one’s feelings about city living than direct financial impacts. Therefore, the characteristic NIMBYism may stem more from urban preferences than from economic self-interest.
Political Affinities Influence Housing Views
Support for housing development appears strongly correlated with individuals' attitudes towards urban living. Those who enjoy city life are generally more favorable towards denser housing, while those who prefer suburban living are likely to oppose it. The conversation shifts from economic calculations to personal tastes and ideologies, revealing that people's preferences for urban versus suburban lifestyles significantly influence their stance on housing policies. This trend challenges the conventional narrative that NIMBYism is solely about protecting personal financial interests.
Income and Housing Preferences
The analysis of housing politics suggests that the perception of who benefits from new housing developments, whether they be wealthy developers or local builders, can significantly influence public support. When proposals are viewed as benefitting developers, opposition increases, particularly from those who hold negative views of affluent individuals. Accordingly, the debate often revolves around symbols and perceptions that resonate with the public, influencing their willingness to accept or reject new developments. This adds complexity to understanding housing policy dynamics beyond mere economic benefits.
Generational Perspectives on Urban Living
A significant generational divide exists in attitudes toward urban living, which affects support for housing policies. Younger generations, such as millennials, generally favor dense urban environments compared to older generations, like baby boomers, who often associate cities with negative experiences from their formative years. This shift in preference can lead to varying support levels for housing developments across age groups, suggesting that future policy advocacy must consider these generational differences. As millennials influence the political landscape, their preferences for urban living may reshape housing policies over time.
Balancing NIMBYism with Housing Development
While advocating for increased housing density in suburban areas may promote equity and opportunity, it poses significant political and practical challenges. Resistance from suburban populations often complicates attempts to build new housing, leading to the conclusion that focusing on denser urban areas could yield more immediate results. Advocates caution against ignoring the symbolic aspects of housing development and the need to address concerns around property values. A measured approach, blending gentle density strategies with respectful engagement with community sentiments, can help navigate the complexities of housing politics.
What makes someone a NIMBY? The prevailing theory suggests that people support or reject new housing in their neighborhood based on what’s best for them personally. The political scientist David Broockman provides a different explanation—one based on people’s beliefs about important symbols such as cities or tall buildings, rather than self-interest.
Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/podsub.
