Hoarding

Nature

Hoarding is a psychological disorder characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This behavior leads to the accumulation of excessive items, resulting in cluttered living spaces that can compromise health, safety, and daily functioning. Hoarding is often associated with distress, indecision, and impaired social or occupational functioning. It is recognized as a distinct mental health condition, sometimes linked to anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The problem can cause significant emotional, financial, and physical burdens for individuals and their families, and may require professional intervention for effective management and treatment.

Background

Hoarding emerged as a recognized global concern in the late 20th century, when clinicians and researchers began documenting its prevalence and social impact beyond isolated cases. International studies highlighted its association with public health risks, housing crises, and community safety. The problem gained further attention as media coverage and advocacy groups revealed its widespread nature, prompting the World Health Organization to classify hoarding disorder in 2013, catalyzing cross-cultural research and policy responses.

Incidence

In many societies there is a reluctance to disclose the possession of monetary wealth to relatives and neighbours who might expect to benefit from it. In some communities a good deal of hoarding takes the form of investment in jewellery, usually for the adornment of women and children.

Claim

Hoarding is a critical and often overlooked crisis that devastates lives and communities. It poses severe health and safety risks, strains relationships, and burdens emergency services. Ignoring hoarding allows dangerous living conditions and mental health struggles to fester. We must recognize hoarding as a serious problem demanding urgent attention, compassion, and resources. Dismissing it as mere clutter is irresponsible—lives and well-being are at stake, and action is desperately needed.

Counter-claim

This custom had its origins at a time when the possession of a commodity that was indestructible, transportable and divisible, was sound practice as insurance against the consequences of political insecurity or periodical economic disasters, such as drought or famine. Though it has largely outlived its economic justification in some of the countries in which it was once a wise provision, it is still firmly rooted in existing family usages in some developing countries, where it diverts resources and tends to lessen industrial capacity.