The HOMING method: a participatory interview tool integrating Indigenous perspectives in housing research

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Indigenous Studies
• Housing Research

Background:

• Conventional housing assessments often use externally imposed criteria, neglecting residents' lived experiences and cultural values.
• There is a need for research methodologies that are inclusive, reflexive, and culturally responsive in housing studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and outline the rationale of the HOMING method, a participatory housing assessment tool.
• To demonstrate how HOMING aligns with Kaupapa Māori research principles and decolonial approaches.
• To explore the application and potential of HOMING in expanding housing research methodologies.

Main Methods:

• The HOMING method is a participatory tool centered on self-determined measures of home and housing quality.
• Participants use 'Aro Rākau' (wooden blocks) to articulate their housing values, followed by collaborative ranking and discussion.
• The method is rooted in Kaupapa Māori research principles, emphasizing Indigenous and participant-led perspectives.

Main Results:

• HOMING facilitates rich, nuanced understandings of home by centering residents' lived experiences.
• The method shifts power to participants, allowing them to define and assess housing quality based on their own benchmarks.
• Case studies reflect the application of HOMING, highlighting its potential for inclusive and culturally responsive research.

Conclusions:

• HOMING offers a decolonial approach to housing research by centering Indigenous and participant-led perspectives.
• The method expands traditional housing assessment tools by incorporating self-determined measures of home and housing quality.
• HOMING promotes more inclusive, reflexive, and culturally responsive housing research methodologies.