Y. Paat, Jessica Morales, Dwain A. Pellebon, Ray Tullius, Aaron Escajeda, R. Alcántara
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引用次数: 1
Abstract
This study explores the stories of 40 homeless residents from a local shelter in El Paso, Texas located in the United States, with an emphasis on the socio-ecological factors (i.e. individual and environmental) leading to their homelessness. A total of 40 adult residents were recruited using purposive sampling between 2016 and 2017 to participate in an in-depth interview and a brief survey. Interview data were analysed using grounded theory method. Survey data were presented in the form of descriptive statistics. Overall, we found that contrary to the typical stereotypes that attribute the difficulties the homeless population faces to personal deficits (e.g. lack of motivation for upward mobility and maladaptive coping), many of our participants struggled with varying personal challenges and social constraints, which created a vulnerability to homelessness. Furthermore, inconsistent with the assumption that Hispanics are less susceptible to the concern of homelessness given their cultural and family orientations, we found that among our participants who were Hispanic, more than half had contact with family or friends and/or had at least one family member who was homeless, thus indicating that Hispanics are not free from the challenge of homelessness. This finding has public policy implications for U.S. cities that are predominantly Hispanic (of which El Paso is one), and cautions about the danger of overgeneralizing the homeless population. We noted five major life domains (legal, relational, economic, physiological, and psychiatric) that triggered the participants’ homelessness. Understanding factors leading to homelessness can form the basis for formulating effective intervention programmes that promote well-being, as well as a holistic roadmap that prioritizes strategies for sustainable healthy living.
期刊介绍:
This journal promotes contributions, discussions and an exchange of knowledge on Social Work issues. Social Work is a line of work carried out by trained professionals, or "Social Workers", in many different countries. Accordingly, the nature of social work can vary widely. However, its broad aim is to assess and meet people''s social needs by providing services that enable them to live in safety, independence and dignity. In order to appropriately cater to the needs of the people they serve, the practices, aims and values of Social Workers must reflect the cultural and social norms of the society in which they operate. Comparative social work emphasizes comparative studies of social work between different countries, cultures and contexts. The journal aims to support practitioners and academics alike through its discussions of matters relevant to Social Work Practice. This journal publishes two types of peer-reviewed scientific articles on subjects of importance for social work, with a special emphasis on comparative research on different aspects. This includes: -Comparative studies -Single site studies that also generate insight and knowledge in various geographical/cultural and national settings. We also welcome essays discussing/reflecting relevant subjects from an individual point of view, and at least two members of our editorial board will review such papers (maximum of 3,000 words). The JCSW was founded in 2006 and is currently hosted by the University of Stavanger, in cooperation with the University of Agder and the University of Nordland.