Nowadays homelessness has become a complicated global issue. It is often viewed as an extreme form of social exclusion, largely due to common stereotypes. Since problems of homeless people are rarely discussed in the media, society does not realize the harsh reality these people live in. Several months ago, I was walking down the street when I noticed a man scavenging through the trash for something to eat. I have paid attention to his cloths that were from famous brand H&M.
Being involved in the homeless community for a certain period of time, people eventually learns basic rules of surviving. Therefore, a long stay in a homeless status gives rise to a particular way of life that can change person’s character and values in life. Homeless people realize that their place in society is somewhere in the bottom, however the majority becomes adjusted to this fact. These aspects serve as an obstacle for the homeless to return to a normal life. There are different factors that cause homelessness. The homeless are often considered to be active deviants whose behaviour is unacceptable among intelligent people. However, it is important to realize that poverty and a negative adjustment to the conditions of urban life shape their behavioural patterns.
A social group of homeless people has increased dramatically in the United States over the recent decades. Homelessness occurs due to lack of people's rights on the premises, which they could use for living or staying. As the result, lack of housing makes a person adjust to the outdoor conditions of existence. Homeless people cannot meet even the minimum necessities of life. Often, fresh food is a true luxury for them. Furthermore, due to the lack of residence, the homeless are deprived of health care, pensions, allowances and other social assistance. What makes it even worse is the fact that employees are extremely reluctant to take on people without home.
Social and environmental factors, traits of character as well as the imperfection of legal regulations are the most apparent causes of homelessness. These factors add up to human interaction with the environment. Homeless people are among the group of socially excluded individuals. Social exclusion occurs under the influence and socio-economic peculiarities. Tension problems associated with homelessness also depends on the region and state of the economy. The largest concentration of homeless people is observed in large cities, as well as in regions with favorable economic conditions.
The extent of a problem is huge, however government prefers to overlook the root of the issue. Indifferent or negative attitudes towards the homeless make the development of rehabilitation programs rather difficult. The shortage of resources as well as a bunch of common stereotypes prevent society from finding solutions. As the result of imperfection of conditions for the homeless, their interaction with the environment may cause inconveniences for passers-by. Contradictory legal control, lack of shelter and medical care exacerbate indifference and hostility to the homeless within society. Thus, fears, stereotypes and lack of awareness about the problem contribute to the isolation of the homeless from society.
The homeless are viewed largely as inadequately socialized individuals who are comfortable with vagrancy. Laziness, apathy, and general degradation are frequently associated with the causes of homelessness. On the other hand, the lack of desire to change and look for better options tends to curb homelessness. “Individuals are personally responsible for their successes or failures. Thus, homeless persons are to blame for their deprivation because of their drinking habits, their immorality, their mental instability, their illiteracy, or their lack of purpose and initiative. In other words, homeless are homeless because they are drunk, unstable or lazy” (Timmer et al. 4). The issue of homelessness are viewed from different angles. Due to conflicting opinions, the homeless are either harshly criticized, or sympathized. Taking into account the homeless lifestyle, one can easily notice their pain.
However, some people spot only their helplessness and reluctance to change. The circumstances, under the influence of which a person loses a house can be varied. They may include certain human qualities, low social competence, conflicts in the family, the loss of property due to imprisonment, or unfair deals with housing. Besides, the near and distant environment affects the homeless so that they integrated into the community they feel they belong. Human factors, such as physical health and age are always viewed as the aspects that allow the homeless to maintain a decent lifestyle, though they chose physical and psychological degradation. Homeless people who have lived on the streets for a longer period of time are likely to have less strength (Tweed et al. 492).
Homelessness is a social problem that has negative consequences both for the homeless and for society as a whole. Among homeless people, there is a significant percentage of citizens who have lost their housing due to different emergency situations, such as apartment scam, stress or family conflicts. Also in the ranks of the homeless there are recruited citizens, who are unable to adapt to the economic situation. “The new homeless, in sharp contrast, are portrayed as victims – victims of economic dislocation, bad marriages, the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, physical handicaps, and the like. As victims, the new homeless are seen as deserving of society’s help” (Timmer et al. 4). The lack of housing is believed to be the main feature of homelessness. However, different factors should be considered, as normally it is caused by various environmental and personal peculiarities. Being acute social problem, homelessness should be addressed by the help of public and charitable organizations.
Lars Eighner tells an engaging story about the person who lived on streets. It is impressing how moving the personal experience can be. “Once I was the sort of person who invests objects with sentimental value. Now I no longer have those objects, but I have the sentiments yet” (Eighner 125).
Homeless individuals are less welcome in public places, even if they can afford to buy some lunch. Perceived discrimination against homeless people is mainly connected with the appearance. If a homeless person is clean and well-dressed, other people will not even pay attention. In this regard, lifetime duration of homelessness plays its role. Obviously, the homeless are at increased risk for various diseases. However, according to Wen et al., strong negative reactions and unwelcomeness frequently occur within the realm of healthcare.
Homelessness is one of the most pressing problems of our time, that is why there is a need for implementing effective social policies. Besides, charitable activities should be actively encouraged.
Works Cited
Eighner, Lars. Travels with Ligbeth. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1993. Print. 111-125.
Timmer, Doug A., Eitzen, D. Stanley, and Talley, Kathryn D. Paths to Homelessness. Boulder, Co: Westview, 1994. Print.
Tweed, Roger G., Biswas-Diener, Robert, and Lehman, Darrin R. Self-perceived strengths among people who are homeless. Journal of Positive Psychology 7.6 (2012): 481-492. Print.
Wen, Chuck K., Hudak, Pamela L., and Hwang, Stephen W. Homeless People’s Perceptions of Welcomeness and Unwelcomeness in Healthcare Encounters. Journal of General Internal Medicine 22.7 (2007): 1011-1017. Print.
