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Area Of Conflict: Poverty And Conflict Theory Of Homelessness

762 Words4 Pages
Area of Conflict Homelessness can be understood in the perspective of conflict theory, which holds that capitalism is one the main reason for homelessness.
“Capitalism is a social system based on the recognition of individual rights, including property rights, in which all property is privately owned”, (Ayn Rand).
There are many reasons why a person becomes homeless, an increasing number become homeless each year, with up to 5,000 people becoming homeless every year. Generally the experiences that lead to homelessness are determined by poverty and structural inequality. Causes can be divided into the following. Structural Causes: These can include poverty, unemployment, and lack of good quality, affordable housing. More people are now at risk of becoming homeless as a result of the financial crisis of 2008 which has impacted on the most vulnerable in society and has made more and more people vulnerable. With a high unemployment rate, more people now experiencing poverty and it is becoming more difficult for people to get out of poverty. Also, with no social housing being built there is a shortage of affordable housing for people on little or no income. Institutional Causes: People who have lived in foster care and young people leaving care are at high risk of becoming homeless. Also people leaving prison or mental health institutions with nowhere to go to on their release/discharge can end up homeless. Services need to ensure that when people are leaving institutional
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