Immigration, Public Housing, and Far-Right Politics

Across many democracies, far-right movements are gaining momentum — a trend that worries policymakers, researchers, and citizens alike. A common explanation points to material hardship: when people feel left behind economically and socially, they often turn to radical political alternatives. One critical dimension of this hardship is housing — especially the lack of affordable and secure homes. Could building more affordable housing help reduce support for far-right parties?

New research provides a nuanced answer. It finds that expanding access to social housing does seem to lower far-right support — but only in areas with low immigration. In communities where immigration is already high, the effect reverses.

To unpack why this is happening, and what it means for policymakers, host Prof Alan Renwick speaks with Dr. Gloria Gennaro, Lecturer in Public Policy and Data Science at UCL’s Department of Political Science. Dr. Gennaro shares insights from her latest study, exploring how housing policy, economic insecurity, and social dynamics intersect with political behavior.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Immigration, Public Housing and Support for the French National Front by Gloria Gennaro