PhD research Chrissy Severinsen 2009
This study describes the nature of the experiences of camping ground residents in relation to their health, and within the context of individual, local and national spheres. It situates camping ground residence as a particular form of housing and contests public understandings of camping grounds as only summer holiday destinations. This research views housing in broad terms, taking into account the many influences that shape people’s experiences of their housing. While adequate housing has been identified as a key social determinant of health, camping grounds as a form of housing have not been previously discussed in New Zealand literature.
A narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with 22 camping ground residents and 20 community key informants was carried out and a comprehensive insight into the dynamics of life in camping grounds was gained. The research examined camping ground residence through a framework of the socio-spatial nature of housing, and through concepts of place, community and housing pathways. The research highlights the broader socio-political context in which New Zealand camping ground operate, including the legal and regulatory frameworks, public representations, and definitions of homelessness and healthy housing. The politicisation and problematisation of camping ground residence illustrates the tensions surrounding the provision of housing in camping grounds, which is related to the marginalisation and social exclusion of those who live in camping grounds. This research explores camping ground residence as both positive and detrimental to the health of residents, through the shaping of residents’ opportunities and access to housing resources and community. The social exclusion and vulnerability of some residents, exacerbated by situations of poor quality housing and housing insecurity, is presented alongside other aspects of camping ground residence, such as opportunities to develop social networks and place attachment, which may mediate some of the effects of poor housing and social exclusion.
The findings of the research offer an understanding of camping ground residence in New Zealand and conceptualise residents’ movements in, through and out of camping grounds. The PhD thesis concludes by emphasising camping ground residence as contested and complex, and camping grounds as sites of the politics of place.