Criminalization Of Homelessness Essay

Introduction

The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

— Anatole France

Homelessness presents itself as a clear moral challenge, extremely present in urban areas despite the relative strength of the local economy. As a social phenomenon, there is an apparent paradox in attempting to explain how extreme deprivation of property rights and dignity can exist within a wealthy society. Some argue that the presence of homeless individuals is so prevalent that others have simply gotten used to it. Others argue that the suburbs shield individuals from a constant exposure to homelessness, making it more acceptable. Aside from the existence of homelessness

However, at the very least the vision of homelessness utilized includes the possibility of voluntarism, and of meaningful insight to be gained from the status. This, at its core, is what enables these theorists to treat homelessness as a status that can generate a community or a way of life worth maintaining. In other words, their discussion and critique of public spaces states that the homeless are increasingly being treated as the Other, and rather they should be accepted as a self-standing way of life. Their criminalization in public spaces is not wrong simply because they are, e.g., forced to relive themselves in public, but also because their specific way of life is

Care ethics developed as a critique of liberal theory. Core thinkers argue that sociopolitical theory is excessively inhabited by male theorists, who emphasize logics of rights and justice. Instead, care theory presents itself as a narrative of care, based on “feminine” care, a logic which they argue is more present within the family and household. This type of care starts in the domestic sphere, and concerns itself more with the specific needs of those in unfortunate position. Most importantly, care ethicists argue that care can provide valuable guidance not simply for individuals, but for sociopolitical problems as