Homelessness – as poverty, social class, age, gender, ethnicity, education, employment and disability influence health and wellbeing, leading to social exclusion.
Homelessness is a grave societal issue with stern consequences for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. It is a complicated issue with socio-economic roots, where economic inequities, housing policies, and societal institutions collide to produce a catastrophe. Homelessness occurs due to structural difficulties and inequities, rather than individual decisions or circumstances. The main idea of this essay is to look extensively into the complex interaction between homelessness, socio-economic situations, and health consequences. It also delves into the lives of various marginalized social groups disproportionately affected by homelessness. Strategies for increasing their social inclusion and well-being are investigated. Furthermore, this article examines instances of prejudice and helplessness faced by homeless people and emphasizes the significance of social justice and anti-oppressive practices in improving their lives.
Theoretical Sociology and Homelessness
To acquire a thorough knowledge of homelessness, it is essential to scrutinize it through the prism of sociological ideas. Sociological theories shed light on the systemic and structural elements that lead to homelessness and form the experiences of those who live there. Three well-known sociological theories—structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism—provide insightful viewpoints.
Functionalism in Structure:
The significance of social institutions in preserving social stability and cohesiveness is stressed in structural functionalism, a sociological theory. This theory emphasizes the inability of social institutions to offer enough assistance and opportunity for marginalized persons in the context of homelessness. Systemic failures that lead to homelessness include the housing problem, financial inequities, and a lack of accessible healthcare and education. The idea emphasizes the importance of social policies and institutions that enable equal access to housing, money, and healthcare for all members of society, hence addressing the causes of homelessness.
The Conflict Theory:
This theory, alternatively, is concerned with the effects of power dynamics and economic inequalities in society. Homelessness is indistinctly linked to economic inequities and societal injustices. Homelessness is extended by the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few while vast portions of the population struggle to secure needs such as housing. Conflict theory emphasizes the structural disparities in society that contribute to homelessness, emphasizing the need for economic changes and policies that more equally divide resources.
Symbolic Interactionism:
This school of thought investigates the stigmatization and labeling of homeless people, which can worsen their isolation from mainstream society. Homeless people are regularly exposed to societal stigma, which can hurt their self-esteem and self-identity.
The need to alter cultural attitudes and eradicate stereotypes connected with homelessness is stressed by symbolic interactionism. It is significant to contest these negative beliefs to promote social inclusion and improve the well-being of homeless people.
The Health Consequences of Homelessness
Homelessness has serious and varied health consequences. Homeless people face a variety of health hazards, including hunger, infectious infections, mental health disorders, and drug misuse issues. Access to healthcare services is difficult for them, aggravating their health difficulties. Homelessness exacerbates existing health inequities and presents additional obstacles for those who are homeless. The socio-economic determinants of health, including housing, income, and access to healthcare services, have a noteworthy influence on the population’s health.
Malnutrition:
Homeless people frequently struggle to obtain adequate and consistent meals. Malnutrition can result from inadequate nutrition, compromising both physical and mental health. A lack of access to fresh and healthy food alternatives relates to a variety of health issues, such as vitamin shortages, anemia, and weakened immune systems.
Infectious illnesses:
Because of impaired immune systems, inadequate diet and cleanliness, and recurrent over-capacitating at shelters, homeless people are frequently in danger of infectious illnesses such as hepatitis A, B, and C, TB, and HIV/AIDS.
Furthermore, some of the activities that some homeless individuals participate in, like survival intercourse or IV drug administration, raise the risk of disease transmission. Along with the difficulties of treatment that many homeless individuals experience, the activities make preventing infectious infections challenging.
Mental Health Problems:
The stress and trauma of homelessness hurt mental health. Homeless people are more prone to suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health problems.
These difficulties are increased by a lack of stability and safety in their living settings.
Substance Abuse:
Substance abuse issues are common among homeless people. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their terrible situations. Substance misuse not only increases health problems but also impedes attempts to end homelessness. Studies have found that homeless people consume more drugs. A study conducted in Boston reveals that 91% of homeless people drink alcohol and 88% administer drugs.
Access to Healthcare:
Homeless people confront considerable difficulties in receiving healthcare treatments. Lack of insurance, transportation issues, restricted clinic hours, and prejudice within healthcare settings are examples of these hindrances. These variables cause delays in diagnosis and treatment, resulting in worse health outcomes.
Chronic pain and musculoskeletal diseases
Disorders affecting the joints, ligaments, and tendons (such as arthritis) are frequent among homeless persons. According to one study on chronic pain management among homeless people, therapy is complex due to traumatic living on the boulevards or in accommodations, difficulty in acquiring prescription drugs, and poor sleeping circumstances. Some decline to go to medics for their agony because of previous treatment. Others use drugs or alcohol to cope with their pain since a history of missing appointments or drug use prohibits doctors from providing over-the-counter pain medicine. Consequently, considerable chronic pain remains untreated in this community.
Dental issues
People’s dental health is regularly impaired during extended periods of homelessness. This is because, in the words of Bruce. B. Wallace, “Oral health care in Canada is not based on need, but rather on ability to pay.” Tooth decay and other oral health disorders are normally caused by a lack of access to preventative and restorative care, paired with inadequate cleanliness.
Illness of the lungs
Chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases are also common among homeless people.
Health and Homelessness: Social Determinants
Conditions in the surroundings where individuals are born, live, study, work, play, and age impact a wide range of health, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes and hazards. These variables are significant in determining people’s health outcomes, and homelessness is closely associated with several of them.
Housing:
Housing is a chief factor in health, and a lack of stable housing is a distinguishing feature of homelessness. Without secure and safe shelter, homeless people are vulnerable to inclement weather, violence, and a lack of sanitary services, all of which have a considerable effect on their health.
Revenue:
Income inequality is a major socio-economic factor of homelessness. Individuals with low salaries, with those who have lost their jobs or are suffering financial problems, are in danger of becoming homeless. Homelessness frequently reinforces the cycle of poverty, making it difficult for individuals to find a permanent job and better their financial circumstances.
Access to Healthcare Services:
While access to healthcare is a major predictor of health, homeless people encounter significant hurdles to care. These impediments include a lack of insurance, transportation issues, and healthcare institutions’ limited hours of operation. Discrimination and stigma in healthcare environments make it even more difficult for them to get critical medical care.
Education:
Education is another socio-economic component that affects health outcomes. Homeless children’s schooling is sometimes disturbed due to repeated migrations or volatility in their living arrangements. This can have an enduring effect on their health and well-being by restricting their options and life chances.
Causes of Homelessness:
Stagnant wages
Wages have not increased in line with rising living costs. Since 1970, the minimum wage in the United States has increased by around 350%. The Consumer Price Index has risen by more than 480%. This makes it difficult to afford living expenditures, let alone save for future homeownership or emergencies. An unexpected cost might deplete a person’s income if they cannot save money. Low salaries imprison individuals in poverty and make them more prone to homelessness.
Unemployment
While low earnings contribute to homelessness, unemployment also plays a role. The reasons for unemployment differ, and some nations have higher unemployment rates than others. When a person is out of work for an extended period, they are more likely to become homeless. According to research, the majority of unhoused persons wish to work but encounter hurdles such as not having a permanent location.
Lack of affordable healthcare
Healthcare is very expensive, but many individuals are uninsured or have inadequate coverage. This entails spending a lot of money on healthcare while also trying to pay for rent, food, and utilities. It can also mean ignoring essential exams and treatments, which might contribute to higher medical bills in the long run. A severe injury or accident might cause a person or family to become homeless.
Poverty
Poverty is one of the main fundamental causes of homelessness. Wage stagnation, unemployment, and expensive housing and healthcare expenditures contribute to poverty. Being incapable of affording necessities such as shelter, food, education, and other necessities puts an individual or family in danger. To successfully alleviate homelessness, governments and organizations must address poverty.
Racial inequality
Homelessness affects ethnic minorities more than the white population in the United States. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, black Americans are three times as likely than white Americans to lose their housing. Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are also disproportionately affected minorities. The grounds for this are built on racial inequities such as housing discrimination and imprisonment.
Systemic failures
While homelessness can be caused by the circumstances of an individual or family, we cannot disregard systemic failings. Homelessness happens when society fails to detect and assist those who are in danger of becoming homeless. Failures in areas like penal services, healthcare, and child welfare are too prevalent. The inability of a society to address racial inequities, raise wages, and provide affordable housing also contributes to rising homelessness rates.
Income Disparity and the Gini Coefficient
The Gini coefficient is a measure of societal income disparity. It measures income or wealth disparities within a population, with higher Gini coefficients suggesting more income inequality. Income inequality is a chief contributor to homelessness and exacerbates health inequalities among homeless people.
A considerable part of wealth and resources are concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups in countries with high Gini coefficients. In contrast, the rest of the population struggles to obtain essentials such as shelter and healthcare. Income inequality occurs due to economic and social policies that favor the rich disproportionately, putting marginalized communities at a disadvantage. Homelessness is the result of these discrepancies since those with limited access to resources and opportunities are more likely to become homeless.
Experiences of Socially Marginalized Groups
Homelessness affects a diverse spectrum of people; however, certain marginalized social groups are excessively involved among the displaced. Understanding their perspectives is essential for designing successful ways to improve their social participation and well-being.
Youth Homelessness:
Youth homelessness is a grave issue, with many young people becoming homeless due to conditions such as family strife, poverty, and a lack of resources. These young individuals frequently face barriers to school and career possibilities, resulting in long-term disadvantages. Policies should prioritize educational support, employment training, and accessible housing choices to encourage the social inclusion of homeless kids.
Indigenous Homelessness:
Because of a history of colonization, dispossession, and marginalization, Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Many Indigenous people encounter structural impediments to accessing housing and healthcare. To address indigenous homelessness, culturally appropriate and community-driven solutions, such as affordable housing programs and support services, are required.
Homelessness Among LGBTQ+ People:
Members of the LGBTQ+ community frequently face homelessness as a result of prejudice and rejection from their relatives. They may encounter specific hurdles, such as a higher likelihood of mental health problems and violence. Promoting the social inclusion of LGBTQ+ homeless people entail offering safe and inclusive housing alternatives along with tailored support services.
Veteran Homelessness:
Homeless veterans frequently struggle with the harmonizing of civilian life and encounter challenges such as PTSD, drug misuse, and a lack of career possibilities. To ensure the social inclusion of homeless veterans, personalized interventions that meet their precise needs and experiences are required.
Homelessness among women:
Homeless women are often vulnerable to threats such as abuse and exploitation. Many are fleeing spousal violence or attempting to raise their children as single parents. Shelters must provide secure and gender-specific accommodations, along with services such as counseling and support for survivors of abuse, to encourage the social inclusion of homeless women.
Individuals Who Are Homeless Are Empowered
Empowering homeless people is a critical step to addressing their social inclusion and well-being. Empowerment means giving them the tools, resources, and assistance they need to reclaim control of their life and overcome the problems accompanying homelessness. Several critical components are involved in this process:
Housing First Approach:
The “Housing First” approach prioritizes providing stable housing to homeless individuals as the first and most critical step in addressing homelessness. By securing safe and steady housing, individuals can focus on addressing other challenges, such as mental health issues and substance abuse. Housing First programs empower individuals by giving them a secure foundation on which to rebuild their lives.
Employment Opportunities:
Access to employment opportunities is vital for empowering homeless individuals. Job training and employment support programs can equip them with the skills to secure stable employment. Empowering individuals through employment not only offers income but also fosters a sense of self-worth and independence.
Education and Training:
Education and training programs play a vital part in empowering homeless individuals, especially youth. These programs provide them with access to educational possibilities that help them in the long run. GED programs, vocational training, and the development of work skills are all essential options for homeless kids and adults.
Access to Healthcare:
Healthcare services are critical for meeting the physical and mental health requirements of people experiencing homelessness. Improving access to medical and mental health services is part of authorizing individuals to take control of their health. Preventative care and sickness treatment are crucial steps in improving their well-being.
Services of Assistance:
Supportive services, such as mental health counseling, drug treatment, and case management, are critical for empowering the displaced. These services target the core causes of homelessness by providing clients with the tools to overcome addiction and mental health issues.
Dealing with Discrimination and Powerlessness
Homeless people frequently face prejudice and helplessness, making it difficult to obtain resources and assistance. Discrimination against homeless people can take many forms, including uneven treatment in the workplace, housing, and healthcare. Discrimination feeds the cycle of homelessness by adding new obstacles for people to overcome. To solve this issue, legislation and regulations that safeguard the rights of homeless people and prohibit discriminatory practices are required. Anti-discrimination legislation should be implemented and strengthened in a variety of situations, including shelters, healthcare institutions, and businesses.
Social Justice’s Role in Anti-Oppressive Practice:
Social justice plays a critical role in alleviating homelessness by providing the vision of establishing a fair and square society.
Advocating for policies that line up housing as a fundamental human right, addressing economic disparities, and challenging discriminatory practices are all part of achieving social justice in the context of homelessness.
By addressing the power inequalities and structural prejudices that lead to homelessness, anti-oppressive practice supplements social justice initiatives. Anti-oppressive practice in healthcare and social work is concerned with identifying and removing oppressive systems and attitudes that disseminate prejudice. Practitioners can promote social inclusion and enhance the lives of homeless people by incorporating anti-oppressive ideas into their practice.
The Role of Government and Society in Addressing Homelessness
Addressing homelessness necessitates a multifaceted strategy for both the government and society. Government policies are critical in providing the resources and infrastructure needed to resolve homelessness efficiently. Government programs should prioritize affordable housing creation, access to healthcare services, and educational and career possibilities for homeless people. Furthermore, government financing for shelters and social services is critical for assisting homeless people.
In combating homelessness, society as a whole must play a part. A critical first step is to raise awareness about the realities of homelessness and the structural issues that lead to it. Changes in governmental policy that prioritize housing stability and access to critical services should be advocated by society. Furthermore, individuals and communities may volunteer and support organizations that assist homeless people.
Conclusion
Homelessness is a grave issue that is highly interwoven with the health, well-being, and socio-economic factors of individuals. There is a need to frame rules to encourage the social addition and authorization of sidelined social groups, including adolescents, Aboriginal people, LGBTQ+ entities, veterans, and women. Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are vital sociological theories and provide a valuable outline for understanding the root cause of homelessness and informative interventions.
Homelessness has serious health consequences, with people suffering from starvation, infectious infections, mental health concerns, and substance misuse. Housing, income, and access to healthcare are all socioeconomic determinants of health that influence healthy outcomes. The Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality, leads to homelessness by sustaining economic imbalances throughout society.
Empowering homeless people entails providing them with secure homes, job opportunities, education and training, healthcare, and supportive services. This empowerment is critical for assisting people in regaining control of their lives and overcoming homelessness.
To address prejudice against homeless people and the power imbalances that spread homelessness, anti-discrimination laws, policies that safeguard homeless people’s rights, and anti-oppressive practices in healthcare and social work are required.
The concepts of social justice and anti-oppressive practice serve as the foundation for resolving homelessness to create a society in which all people have fair access to the resources they require for a healthy and satisfying existence. Through legislative measures, service financing, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns, the government and society may help end homelessness.
To summarize, treating homelessness is more than simply a question of providing shelter and necessities; it is a communal commitment founded on ideals of justice and equality. Understanding the numerous variables contributing to homelessness and applying multifaceted measures might help society progress toward a future in which homelessness is a rare and treatable issue rather than an ongoing disaster.
