I'm not sure it's actively discourage. But why should it be actively encouraged?

I read a report not so long ago that showed the countries with lower home ownership had lower unemployment. The reasoning was that people who are own their own property can't move to where the jobs are. Where as if you rented and you lose your job, it's easier to pick up and go to where the work is. Imagine how not mobile you are if you are burdened with a mortgage on a house you can't rent and you can't afford to move.

Also it's not aways been the most beneficial option to own your own home. After the real estate crash in the 80s(?) it took some people/places 30 years to get ahead.

That's sort of the "historic-ish" view. How those issues play out in today's economy, I'm not sure.