Scoping review of academic research on Housing First in the Nordic countries
The Housing First model has gained significant academic attention in Europe in recent decades. This scoping review addresses a gap in the literature by analyzing the state of academic research on Housing First in the Nordic countries. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-step framework, the study identifies relevant research through database searches (Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest). A total of 29 articles were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach and inductive thematic analysis.
Key findings reveal that research in the Nordic countries is primarily practice-oriented, focusing on the evaluation of outcomes, effectiveness, adaptation to local contexts, and the experiences of users and practitioners. The analysis highlights three key opposing perspectives within the Housing First model: (1) homelessness is seen either as an individual pathology or as a result of systemic marginalization; (2) housing is framed as either a treatment for this pathology or a component of harm reduction; and (3) the State is viewed as either a facilitator of homelessness solutions or a barrier that should be replaced by community-driven initiatives.
These opposing perspectives stem from differing views on homelessness, either as a result of structural marginalization or as an individual, pathological issue. The results of the research suggest that the focus on evidence-based solutions tends to overlook the structural causes of homelessness, leading to contradictions in the model’s application and potentially failing to meet the diverse needs of the homeless population. Future research should broaden its scope by including diverse sources, conducting international reviews, and deepening theoretical analysis to better understand how Housing First addresses homelessness’s root causes.
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Published by Malmo University, 2025-06-09.
