Hacker News Reader

I'm not sure that is the whole story. Countries like Singapore don't have much home ownership yet they have a productive and compliant population.

There are problems with land ownership but to me they seem related to inequality rather than anything else.

> I like my home a lot, but the cost is not much less expensive than rent after all the other associated expenses.

The cost is the same, but benefits include not just living space, but also equity. You can't sell a rental.

> Home ownership is a way to keep people busy fixing the house, working or risk losing a basic need, and living at the edge of their means. Also invested in their own property and less willing to riot and revolt. Don’t get me wrong - I like my home a lot, but the cost is not much less expensive than rent after all the other associated expenses.

"No man who owns his own house and lot can be a communist. He has too much to do." - William Levitt

With your own house you can do whatever you like, not so much with a rented one.

Jokes on him, China today has a nearly 90% home ownership rate, same with the ussr of old