Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between legal ownership of subsidized housing and welfare in cities in south-central Chile. The methodology consists of fieldwork on the case of the city of Coronel and a conceptual discussion of ontological security and neoliberal welfare. It is argued that the right to property is strongly protected in Latin American constitutions. In Chile, housing subsidies seek to generate welfare through access to home ownership, but not necessarily equity. The development of subsidized residential complexes in Coronel is analyzed, where new suburban spaces assembled with industrial forestry plantations are produced. These generate ontological security and a sense of belonging, but also contradictions about the creation of community and risks in the event of fires and landslides. It is concluded that the housing subsidy in Chile strengthens legal property, but with limitations to build welfare due to the scarce patrimonial accumulation.