Critical Realist Underlabouring Analysis of Urban Homelessness

Homelessness as a systemic issue Homelessness is often viewed as an individual failing rather than a systemic issue. This ontological perspective uncovers the systemic nature of homelessness, which is rooted in economic inequality, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate social safety nets. By recognizing homelessness as a systemic issue, we can shift our focus from individual 'failures' to systemic change.

Understanding the causes of homelessness The causes of homelessness are multifaceted and complex, involving a combination of systemic, societal, and individual factors. An epistemological shift is needed to understand these causes in their complexity and interrelatedness, rather than reducing homelessness to individual failings or choices.

Structural factors contributing to homelessness Structural factors such as economic inequality, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate social safety nets are key contributors to homelessness. Unearthing these structures and mechanisms can help to identify the root causes of homelessness and develop effective solutions.

Reconstructing theories of homelessness Existing theories of homelessness often focus on individual failings or choices, overlooking the systemic and structural factors that contribute to it. These theories need to be reconstructed to incorporate a more holistic and systemic understanding of homelessness.

Critique of individualistic views of homelessness Individualistic views of homelessness are inadequate and misleading, as they overlook the systemic and structural factors that contribute to it. A critique of these views is necessary to challenge and transform our understanding and response to homelessness.

Government responsibility in homelessness The role of the government in addressing homelessness is often underplayed or ignored. This ontological perspective highlights the government's responsibility in creating and maintaining adequate social safety nets, affordable housing, and economic policies that prevent homelessness.

Understanding government's role in homelessness The government's role in addressing homelessness is often misunderstood or overlooked. An epistemological shift is needed to understand the ways in which government policies and practices contribute to or exacerbate homelessness, and the ways in which they can be used to prevent and address it.

Government structures and mechanisms affecting homelessness Government structures and mechanisms play a crucial role in creating, maintaining, or exacerbating homelessness. Identifying and understanding these structures and mechanisms can help to develop more effective government policies and practices to prevent and address homelessness.

Reconstructing theories of government's role in homelessness Existing theories of the government's role in homelessness often overlook or underestimate the impact of government policies and practices. These theories need to be reconstructed to incorporate a more comprehensive understanding of the government's role in preventing and addressing homelessness.

Critique of government's role in homelessness The government's role in addressing homelessness is often underplayed or ignored. A critique of this perspective is necessary to challenge and transform our understanding of the government's responsibility in preventing and addressing homelessness.