Research for Social Justice in Contexts of Student and Family Homelessness

The possibilities of public literacy spaces

“…Although research that connects experiences of childhood trauma with an increased likelihood of adult transiency can stress the importance of holistic approaches in healthcare services and preventive actions, as recommended in Hamilton, et al (2011), the study also attempts to "sever the pathways to homelessness" (Hamilton, et al, 2011, p. S208) which, while noble, connotes a rather narrow perspective on homelessness (Miller, 2014). Perhaps even more importantly is what the study and those like it suggest about our culture's demand for immediacy and outcomes, or in this case, our tendency to liken homelessness to a disease that demands a cure, even where there may be none.…”

“…As suggested, most of these studies typically come from disciplines outside of education, such as social policy and health-related fields, and often focuses on preventive measures, deficits, and generalizability. While such research may have their purposes per their respective disciplines, and certainly, need is common among persons experiencing homelessness, the articles reflect two important observations where it concerns my own work: 1) the power of societal demands for quick-fix outcomes rather than inform our understanding of real-life human beings and their diverse circumstances (Miller, 2014;Rose, 2012); and 2) the low priority placed on homeless adults in education research.…”

“…Indeed, the socio-economic class and privilege divide is embarrassingly obvious where it concerns homeless adult education. Double standards aside, narratives of charity are particularly salient in the academy where perceptions of homelessness significantly contrast the actual lived experiences of people living in these circumstances MacGillivray, et al, 2010;Miller, 2014). Widening this gap is the fact that past and current research continue to insinuate "lack in the poor" and "the savior and the needy" dichotomy of the middle and poorer classes.…”

“…In the world "as it is," deficits continue to dominate our culture's narratives of homelessness, associating poverty with lower literacy and skewing social policies about access and equity in schools, jobs, health care, and community (Bomer, 2008;Miller, 2011;Miller, 2014;Moore, 2013;Rose, 2013). Few cultural narratives, if any, consider ways in which persons in low income, working poor, and/or homeless circumstances might participate in the community and in schools from a place of knowledge, strengths, and aspiration (Barton & Hamilton, 1998;Gee, 2012;González, Moll, & Amanti, 2013;Janks, 2010;Rose, 2012;Rose, 2013).…”

“…Nevertheless, especially in education, the urgency to uncover the breadth of literacies and identities of homeless veterans and homeless adults remains low in priority-about their desires to enroll in college, to seek long-term careers, or simply, to engage as members of the community (Barton & Hamilton, 1998;Bomer, 2008;Janks, 2010;Janks, 2013;Miller, 2011;Miller, 2014;Moore, 2013;Rose, 2012;Rose, 2013). Part of the reason for the overlook, I think, is that, there is little or no perceived immediate consequence for not knowing.…”