Social inclusion for women experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Background: People experiencing homelessness have been described as one of the most socially excluded groups (Everett 2009; Labonte, 2004), particularly homeless women (Wesely & Wright, 2005). Exploring the barriers and facilitators to social inclusion for women experiencing homelessness, in addition to their experience of sports, may provide the information required to increase their access to community activities and result in increased inclusion. Methods: Qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore women’s homelessness, social inclusion, and sports. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with eleven women residing in a shelter. The data were analyzed for themes relating to the research questions. Findings: Four themes are proposed from the interviews: (a) poverty is exclusion, (b) housing is not (necessarily) a prerequisite for social inclusion, (c) women play sports, and (d) it’s just a piece of paper. These themes represent the barriers and facilitators of social inclusion that the participants experienced, as well as their experiences and interests in sports. Conclusion: The findings revealed that while women may be interested in sports as an opportunity to experience inclusion, they faced many barriers in accessing sports as a service for people experiencing homelessness. The findings of this study may inform organizational and government policy, and future research. Further intersectional research is needed to understand how gendered experiences of homelessness intersects for Indigenous or racialized persons.