> > 2). Where is this sanctity of property coming from - that if I cook meat or > > my friends bring non-veg home, then it violates the purity of my property > > and of my ancestoral traditions? Is property frozen in tradition? Brokers > > and agents clearly tell us, "you eat outside but don't cook at home". > Does > > that not violate sanctity of property? >
I am willing to stick my neck out and argue that while surely landlords may have a problem with the foul smell, underlying this is a fear of breaking tradition by renting out their place to someone who cooks non-veg in their home. There is a strong element of tradition linked here and no one is going to openly admit this. No landlord will want to discuss purity issues with me in the first go. These issues come up gradually. And they can be tackled only through more open interactions in society. > > 3). If the market is so biased towards vegetarian tenants, then where is > the > > freedom of choice? Can I not have the choice to choose my own preferences > > just because I won't get a house for choosing to be > single/non-veg/hippie, > > etc etc? I disagree with the fact that only a competitive market will > > resolve these deep seated prejudices. But then I am not advocating for > more > > regulations. That is an even more terrible thing to do. > > > You can choose not to consider the restricted use properties in your hunt > for a home. Those who are restrictive will lose out on rental income, and > may eventually be forced to raise those restrictions. Basic economics, no? > Again I am willing to stick my neck out and suggest that even the crash in the market may not bring down these attitudes substantially. More so if the attitude stems from retaining traditions and purity of ancestral property. It may also be important to consider who are the property owners in particular areas who put down such conditions? Having said that, I will also say that maybe, there is a chance that landlords may be forced to give their properties under conditions of severe economic recession. But this may not change their attitudes. What it may do is to open up the space for interaction (possibly, remotely!). -- Zainab Bawa Ph.D. Student and Independent Researcher Between Places ... http://wbfs.wordpress.com
