Young People Exiting Homelessness: An Exploration of Process, Meaning and Definition

Mayock, Paula; O’Sullivan, Eoin; Corr, Mary Louise

doi:10.1080/02673037.2011.593131

Cited by 21 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…As Natalier and Johnson argue (2012), safe and affordable housing provides a buffer against social marginalisation for young people. It can also produce better access to other resources that improve material conditions, such as education and employment (Mayock et al, 2011). As noted by the participants in this research, access to material resources was critical to their selfhood and self-determination.…”

Section: The Problem With the Politics Of Distribution In Homelessnessmentioning

confidence: 91%

Youth homelessness: A social justice approach

Watson

Cuervo

2017

Journal of Sociology

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Social justice approaches that work towards eliminating youth homelessness with a sole focus on material needs overlook the significance of non-material aspects, such as the impact of social exclusion and stigma on individuals' subjectivities. The lack of social legitimacy associated with homelessness is exacerbated under neoliberal conditions, with the shift from social to individual responsibility positioning those unable to achieve the normative transition to adulthood as social failures. We draw on interviews with young homeless women in Australia to extend the emerging sociological focus on the relational aspects of homelessness through a social justice lens. We analyse the association between subjectivity, stigma and neoliberalism, and draw on Iris Marion Young's theory of justice to highlight how these shape experiences of homelessness. We conclude that overcoming homelessness requires policies and practices that give a greater focus to non-material aspects of homelessness through an emphasis on empowerment, self-respect and autonomy.

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Section: The Problem With the Politics Of Distribution In Homelessnessmentioning

confidence: 91%

Youth homelessness: A social justice approach

Watson

Cuervo

2017

Journal of Sociology

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“…This is unfortunate because an empirically based understanding of such strengths and resources is important to shed light on opportunities for effective interventions (Biswas‐Diener & Diener, ). Consistent with this recognition, recently, the focus has moved towards understanding pathways out of homelessness and prioritizing the well‐being of those who have experienced homelessness (Clapham, ; Mayock, O'Sullivan, & Corr, ). In particular, Biswas‐Diener and Diener () found that good social relationships amongst homeless individuals contribute to well‐being, averting some of the negative effects of being homeless.…”

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confidence: 99%

Enhancing Well‐being of Homeless Individuals by Building Group Memberships

Johnstone

Jetten

Dingle

et al. 2016

Community & Applied Soc Psy

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There is growing recognition that social isolation and a lack of connectedness with social groups is one of the reasons why the subjective well-being of homeless individuals is generally worse than the rest of the population. Past research amongst a range of populations suggests that the ability of an individual to take on new group memberships and/or their ability to maintain their memberships in meaningful groups is an important predictor of well-being. In a mixed method study (N = 119), we examined the extent to which experiences at homeless accommodation form building blocks for the formation of multiple group memberships and to what extent this predicts positive well-being. Qualitative analysis reveals the importance of feeling connected to the homeless service and supported by homeless accommodation staff. Linking these data to quantitative data from a second wave, we found that these experiences predicted well-being. These findings provide further support for a strength-based approach to homelessness, by providing insights into the ways that experiences at homeless accommodation can contribute to the development of multiple group memberships (i.e. social capital), and enhance the well-being of those experiencing, and exiting, homelessness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 Key words: homelessness; well-being; multiple identities; social capital Homelessness is a significant and worldwide problem. Those experiencing homelessness demonstrate lower levels of well-being and poorer mental health than the general population, and may be at great risk of losing social connections at the point of becoming homeless (Biswas-Diener & Diener, 2006;Fischer, Shapiro, Breakey, Anthony, & Kramer, 1986). Research has consistently demonstrated that poverty, substance abuse, poor mental health, and past instances of trauma or abuse constitute significant risk factors or pathways into homelessness (Fitzpatrick, Bramley, & Johnsen, 2013;Shelton, Taylor, Bonner, & van den Bree, 2009). Notwithstanding the importance of this research, the focus on risk factors and problems has also led to neglect of the strengths and resources of people who are homeless. This is unfortunate because an empirically based understanding of such strengths and resources is important to shed light on opportunities for effective interventions (Biswas-Diener & Diener, 2006). Consistent with this recognition, recently, the focus has moved towards understanding pathways out of homelessness and prioritizing the well-being of those who have experienced homelessness (Clapham, 2010;Mayock, O'Sullivan, & Corr, 2011). In particular, Biswas-Diener and Diener (2006) found that good social relationships amongst homeless individuals contribute to well-being, averting some of the negative effects of being homeless. This finding is also consistent with a mounting body of evidence showing that effective social support through social connectedness may enhance health and wellbeing (Cohen & Wills, 1985;Jetten, Haslam, Haslam, Dingle, & Jones,...

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“…These young people were living at home, in transitional housing, in a State care setting and in private rented accommodation. Homeless exits were categorised as 'independent' or 'dependent' exits 2011a). Those who exited in an independent sense were categorised in this way to reflect their relative independence from State-subsidised housing or other non-statutory interventions (although private rented sector occupants may have been receiving rent allowance, a supplementary social welfare payment).…”

Section: Phase 2 Pathways: Homeless Exits and Continued Homelessnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The process of leaving street life behind (Mayock et al, 2011a) was often linked to young people's efforts to curb or quit drug use. At Phase 2 of the study, Seán explained the risks associated with continuing to associate with his former homeless peers: 'I couldn't hang around with people using drugs now.…”

Section: Non-housing Transitions and The Process Of Exiting Homelessnessmentioning

confidence: 99%