Concept of Homelessness and Analysis

This article discusses the problem of homelessness in Canada from two perspectives: conflict theory perspective and feminist perspective. It analyzes the power imbalance in society resulting in unequal distribution of resources and materials.

Running head: CONCEPT OF HOMELESSNESS AND ANALYSIS
Concept of Homelessness and Analysis
Name of the Student:
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CONCEPT OF HOMELESSNESS AND ANALYSIS
Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................1
Discussion.....................................................................................................................................1
Conflict Theory Perspective......................................................................................................1
Feminist Perspective.................................................................................................................2
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................4

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CONCEPT OF HOMELESSNESS AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
Problem of homelessness is very rampant in Canada resulting in drug addiction,
prolonged mental illness. Statistics have revealed that nearly 35,000 people in Canada suffer
from the crisis of homelessness (Stage, 2015). Many people have blamed the Canadian
government for their problem of coping up with increasing number of homeless people in
Canada. Problem Statement: homelessness and mental imbalance and social alienation
amongst people in Canada.
Discussion
The problem of homelessness would be assessed from two perspectives: conflict theory
perspective and feminist perspective to obtain two different understanding of the situation.
Conflict Theory Perspective
There are number of well-renowned perspectives on the concept of homelessness
among the mentally un-well people. Some of the widely exploited perspectives are the
sociological perspectives on homelessness, feminist perspectives, conflict based perspectives,
symbolist interactional perspectives and functionalist perspectives. If one views homeless from
the standpoint of conflict theory, he/she can be able to witness a contradiction in the entirety of
homelessness (Sørensen & Torfing, 2016). The theory suggests that masters at the core level
systematically exploit the workers depriving them of their mental recreation and basic
sustenance elements. Whereas on the other hand the people are of the opinion that they are
properly supplied with and taken care of by their masters and they slowly become dependent on
their capitalistic masters for their life sustenance. Other theorists believe that homelessness and
poverty resulting in psychological imbalance is a failure of capitalistic society and their
inability to are results of the masters’ inability to cope up with economic instability in the

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society and contribute more to it (Stage, 2015). From their approach it is the economy and the
pattern of supply and demand that deprives a number of people basic living resources.
However, conflict theorists blame the entire system of homelessness on the structure of a
capitalist economy, masters’ exploitation of the poor and unequal distribution of resources. In a
capitalistic economy, the population is segregated into two categories, namely those who are in
possession of capital and those who are bereft of it. In conflict perspective however,
homelessness of the mentally un-well human beings is not seen as a flaw of capitalistic society
but rather the laziness or de-motivation of the people to aim for a comfortable and upgraded
life (Sørensen & Torfing, 2016).
Marx’s conflict theory holds the opinion that it is fundamentally the inadequacy of the
people who fail to carve their social position and therefore are unable to meet with their basic
requirements that will prevent them from their crisis (Reinecke, 2015). The blunder of mentally
un-well people remains in their willingness to descend into the situation without making
adequate usage of power and resources. Under conflict theory, Marx believes that capitalistic
society slowly produces individuals who become alienated from their inner self and grow
attached to the external materialistic world. This furthermore benefits the capitalists in
exploiting the workers and ensures that they take part in capitalism by consuming their own
labor (Boyd, 2015). It is at this juncture that Marx argues mentally unbalanced and homeless
people are those who fail to grasp a true understanding of class consciousness and capitalism,
bereft of its lies and pretensions The main aspect of conflict theory is to view on the macro
issues of the society contributing to the enormous problems (Stage, 2015).
Feminist Perspective
The concept of homelessness revolves around the idea of home which is synonymous
with one’s involvement with the society and stability. The concept of housing is also related
with an individual’s power to participate in the mainstream society. However, the level of

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CONCEPT OF HOMELESSNESS AND ANALYSIS
deprivation that these homeless people face is primarily relative. In many theories
homelessness of the mentally un-well people is viewed as a social problem which further
pinpoints to a number of social problems and drawbacks (Ravenhill, 2016). Homelessness is
actually a symbol of a major problem of the social structure, which furthermore dictates the
identity of the homeless people in relation to the other members of the society. The feminist
perspective of homelessness of mentally un-well individuals views homelessness both from the
perspective of within and outside of a household.
The feminist perspective acknowledges the relationship of a woman with her household
as one of the prime aspects of homelessness (Löfstrand & Quilgars, 2016). It brings forth the
power equation that involves the homeless human beings. The woman’s economic inter-
dependence and labor structure of the households decide her living conditions. The
construction of new identity for these homeless people further amplifies their mental un-
wellness, helplessness, lack of privacy and retreat. The feminist perspective poses a direct
challenge to traditional notions of homeless people irrespective of their gender. According to
Pleace, (2016) feminist perspective the prior consideration of gender is necessary to investigate
deep into the factor, modes and level of exploitation. The homeless and un-well people are free
from their gender constraints since they are detached from mainstream society. These homeless
people can be masculine and feminine. A woman’s access to housing is limited or determined
by her dependence on husband for supporting the household financially (Mostowska &
Sheridan, 2016). Women tend to feel more subordinated due to their dependence on the male
members of the family and this exerts a major impact on the concept of homelessness. The
housing security that a woman enjoys from her household is a major part of homelessness.
Domestic violence, marital rape are all factors that create a sort of mental alienation and
disturbance within an individual and therefore she tends to view her home as a hostile place
torn of love and warmth. Therefore even if the woman has a safe and secured home, a roof and

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CONCEPT OF HOMELESSNESS AND ANALYSIS
shelter, she can be afraid of her safety and dignity therein and crave for a more secured place.
In that case, the individual will still be considered homeless, and the social relations can take
the shape of burdens in her life. She is potentially a homeless creature accentuated by domestic
violation, economic dependence and the lack of recognition of her place within the household
(Mostowska & Sheridan, 2016). Therefore, the feminist theory provides a totally different
perspective on the entire concept of homelessness (Löfstrand & Quilgars, 2016). The homeless
individual suffer from the autonomy of power and turns into a victim due to their lack of social
positioning, political and economic power (Löfstrand & Quilgars, 2016).
Conclusion
From the above case study it can be analyzed that homelessness in a problem of power
imbalance in society resulting in unequal distribution of resources and materials. Based on the
research evidence one possible solution is proliferation of welfare states which will enable
people to pay for their basic rent and amenities. This would reduce the gap between the have
and have-nots and make way for a better society.

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Reference List:
Boyd, A. K. (2015). Restorative Environments: A campus for trafficked youth in Chiang Rai,
Thailand (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from
https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/handle/1773/27356
Löfstrand, C. H., & Quilgars, D. (2016). Cultural Images and Definitions of Homeless Women:
Implications for Policy and Practice at the European Level. In Women’s Homelessness in
Europe (pp. 41-73). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Mostowska, M., & Sheridan, S. (2016). Migrant Women and Homelessness. In Women’s
Homelessness in Europe (pp. 235-263). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Pleace, N. (2016). Researching homelessness in Europe: theoretical perspectives. European Journal of
Homelessness, 19-44.
Ravenhill, M. (2016). The culture of homelessness. Routledge.
Reinecke, C. (2015). Localising the Social: The Rediscovery of Urban Poverty in Western European
‘Affluent Societies’. Contemporary European History, 24(4), 555-576.
Sørensen, E., & Torfing, J. (Eds.). (2016). Theories of democratic network governance. Springer.
Stage, P. K. (2015). Young, Homeless and Alone.