Asking chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) to propose academic theories for literature review: a note for Housing Studies students: an illustration

Asking chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) to propose academic theories for literature review: a note for Housing Studies students: an illustration

My question 1: "I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently doing my dissertation project. To do so, I need to do literature review. My dissertation research theme is about the impact of housing affordability on the quality of life of Gen Z in Hong Kong. My questions are (1) what are the main topics in the academic subject of Housing Affordability? and (2) what are the main Housing Affordability topics related to Gen Z? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "That sounds like an interesting dissertation topic! Here’s a breakdown of your questions:

1. Main Topics in the Academic Subject of Housing Affordability

Definitions and Measurements: Understanding what constitutes housing affordability, including various indices and metrics used to measure it.

Economic Factors: The impact of income levels, employment rates, and economic policies on housing affordability.

Supply and Demand Dynamics: Analysis of how housing supply constraints affect affordability, including land use policies and zoning regulations.

Social Impacts: Exploring how housing affordability influences social equity, community cohesion, and demographic changes.

Policy Responses: Review of government interventions, subsidies, and housing programs aimed at improving affordability.

Global Comparisons: Studies comparing housing affordability issues across different countries and regions.

Impact of Housing on Health and Well-being: Investigating how housing conditions relate to physical and mental health outcomes.

2. Main Housing Affordability Topics Related to Gen Z

First-Time Homeownership Barriers: Challenges faced by Gen Z in entering the housing market, including high prices and student debt.

Rental Market Dynamics: Examination of how rental affordability affects Gen Z, including trends in shared housing and co-living arrangements.

Urban vs. Suburban Living: Preferences of Gen Z for urban living spaces versus suburban areas, influenced by affordability.

Impact of Technology: The role of technology in shaping housing searches, preferences, and the rise of digital platforms for rentals and purchases.

Social and Environmental Considerations: How Gen Z's values around sustainability and community impact their housing choices.

Long-Term Financial Implications: Analysis of how housing affordability affects Gen Z's financial stability and future planning.

Cultural Shifts in Housing Preferences: Changes in lifestyle preferences influencing housing decisions, such as the desire for flexibility and minimalism.

These topics should provide a solid foundation for your literature review and help guide your research into the specifics of housing affordability and its effects on Gen Z in Hong Kong. Good luck with your dissertation!"

My question 2: "Tks for clarification. Are there any famous academic theories in the subject domains just discussed?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Here are some key academic theories related to housing affordability and its impact on quality of life, particularly as they pertain to Gen Z:

Theories Related to Housing Affordability

Housing Market Theory:

Focuses on the dynamics of supply and demand in housing markets. It examines how factors like income, interest rates, and demographic trends influence housing prices and affordability.

Economic Theories of Housing:

Hedonic Pricing Model: This theory posits that the price of a property reflects its characteristics, including location, amenities, and environmental factors. It helps understand how these features impact affordability.

Social Justice Theory:

Explores issues of equity and access to housing. It emphasizes the right to affordable housing as a fundamental human right and critiques systemic inequalities that affect marginalized groups.

Life Course Theory:

Examines how housing decisions are influenced by life stages and transitions. This theory can shed light on how Gen Z's housing choices may differ based on their current life situations, such as education and employment status.

Sustainability and Housing:

Integrates theories of sustainable development into housing studies, focusing on how environmental concerns and sustainable practices affect housing affordability and desirability.

Theories Related to Gen Z and Housing

Generational Theory:

Analyzes the characteristics, values, and behaviors of different generations. Understanding Gen Z's unique views on housing, work, and lifestyle is crucial for examining their housing choices.

Post-Materialism Theory:

Suggests that as societies become more affluent, people prioritize values such as environmentalism, social justice, and quality of life over material possessions. This theory can explain Gen Z's preferences for sustainable and community-oriented living.

Network Society Theory:

Focuses on how digital technology and social media shape social relationships and behaviors, including housing searches and community engagement among Gen Z.

Attachment Theory:

Though traditionally applied in psychology, it can be used to explore how emotional connections to places and communities influence housing preferences and decisions among Gen Z.

These theories can provide valuable frameworks for analyzing the complex interplay between housing affordability, quality of life, and the specific needs and preferences of Gen Z in your research."

My question 3: "Could you also suggest to me 4 major academic theories related to the topic of quality of life, preferably also related to my research theme? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Here are four major academic theories related to quality of life, particularly as they may connect to your research theme on housing affordability and Gen Z:

1. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Overview: This psychological theory posits that human needs are structured in a hierarchy, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.

Connection to Housing: Housing affordability impacts the fulfillment of basic needs (shelter, safety), which are foundational for achieving higher levels of well-being and quality of life.

2. Social Quality Theory

Overview: This theory emphasizes the importance of social conditions in determining quality of life, focusing on social inclusion, social cohesion, and the overall welfare of citizens.

Connection to Housing: Affordable housing is crucial for social inclusion and cohesion, particularly for Gen Z, who may face challenges in accessing stable housing in urban environments.

3. Capabilities Approach

Overview: Developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, this approach focuses on the capabilities and freedoms individuals have to achieve well-being. It emphasizes the role of social and economic conditions in enabling individuals to pursue their goals.

Connection to Housing: Housing affordability directly affects individuals' capabilities to access education, employment, and social opportunities, thereby influencing their overall quality of life.

4. Environmental Quality of Life Theory

Overview: This theory links the quality of the physical environment with overall quality of life, suggesting that factors such as pollution, green spaces, and urban design significantly impact well-being.

Connection to Housing: The location and condition of affordable housing can affect environmental quality, impacting residents' health and well-being, especially for younger generations like Gen Z who prioritize sustainable living.

These theories provide valuable perspectives for analyzing the relationship between housing affordability and quality of life, helping you frame your research in a broader context."

Note: Using this approach to discuss with chatgpt is able to support students to do literature review and identify useful academic theories to apply in their dissertation projects.

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.