Baghdadi Jews in Hong Kong: converting cultural,social and economic capital among three transregional networks

This article is an analysis of the attempts of Baghdadi Jewish traders in Hong Kong in the second half of the nineteenth century to construct and convert cultural, social and economic capital within and between the transregional networks of the Baghdadi diaspora, the Jewish diaspora and the British colonial elite. The analysis of the multiple and multi‐directional intersections between the cultural, social and economic characteristics of the three networks shows that Baghdadi social capital accounted for significant ruptures and disjunctures between the increasing cosmopolitanization, deterritorialization and hybridization of the Baghdadi traders' cultural identities and the definition of Baghdadi cultural capital. An understanding of the role of Baghdadi social capital in accounting for the construction and convertibility of cultural, social and economic capital among these three transregional networks helps to explain the reproduction of social inequalities under increasing conditions of globalization, that is, under conditions that potentially augmented the number of sources defining cultural capital.     

Effects of minor household interventions to block draughts on social housing temperatures: a before and after study

Half of New Zealand’s renters report damp or mould problems with their homes, which can have negative health implications. Tenants in a newly upgraded social housing complex complained of being cold. Sealing strips around doors and baffles in rangehoods were installed. This exploratory study’s objectives were to determine: (1) whether the interventions influenced indoor temperature, (2) the extent to which indoor temperature changed and (3) benefits to the tenants. The before-and-after rapid response study was conducted in five social housing units. Indoor temperature was subjectively and objectively measured. Using multivariate normal linear regression, units were found to be on average 1.36°C warmer post-intervention after adjusting for outdoor temperature. Tenants’ daily diary entries also claimed units were warmer post-intervention. Simple minor interventions to block draughts made a relatively big difference to indoor temperature and comfort of those living there. Such interventions are worthwhile, especially when housing is tenanted by vulnerable populations.     

Renting in New Zealand: perspectives from tenant advocates

Currently, around a third of New Zealand’s households, and half its population live in rental accommodation. The proportion of tenant households is growing. Tenant advocates, who are a first port of call for tenants experiencing difficulties in their housing situation, can provide unique insight into the experience of renting in New Zealand. This article presents key themes generated from semi-structured interviews with tenant advocates. Tenants are confronted with issues of poor housing quality, insecure housing, high rents relative to income, lack of autonomy, and difficulty asserting their legislative rights. These aspects of renting in New Zealand are likely to have adverse effects on health. Tenant advocates play an important role in supporting tenants to better housing. Their knowledge of the relationship between a landlord and tenant, particularly in times of trouble, means they can provide unique perspectives on policy solutions.     

Death by disconnection: the missing public health voice in newspaper coverage of a fuel poverty-related death

Determinants of population health such as fuel poverty (inability to afford adequate household temperatures) are difficult to highlight in the media. In this paper we analyse newspaper reports of the death of a Pacific migrant, Mrs Muliaga, who could not afford her electricity bill, and reflect on using individual cases to highlight the importance of the social determinants of health, such as fuel poverty. We undertook a thematic analysis of 368 articles published in major New Zealand newspapers. Four key themes were identified: personal tragedy, conflicting evidence, institutionalised racism, and responsibility. The on-going focus on the medical status of Mrs Muliaga continued the media trend of highlighting personal behaviours as the root cause of health problems in New Zealand, and justified a medically focused policy response. We argue that public health advocates should consider using media advocacy to make fuel poverty a priority on the policy agenda.