Down but not out: A study of a men's shelter from a symbolic interactionist perspective

Type Thesis

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Summary

Men living in a shelter was examined from the perspective of the individual. The research encompasses three main areas: (1) attribution of causes which lead to homelessness, (2) the homeless' own definition of their situation, and (3) the subjects' future plans relating to their family, employment and housing. The theoretical framework employed is Symbolic Interactionism. Following an Interpretive Interactionist methodology, 30 males living in the shelter were interviewed utilizing an open ended questionnaire. The research questions included the role macro and micro causes played in men becoming homeless. Other questions centred on the subject's definition of the situation and presentation of the self. The results demonstrated that both macro and micro causes of homelessness have to be considered together. The men also employed various stigma management strategies to reduce the negative psychological impact of being homeless. The majority of the sample suggested that their future plans revolved around finding housing and/or employment. The similarities within the sample were discussed.