Reflection on the Effects of Social Exclusion in Relation to Homelessness
Undergraduate Studies
#1466065
University of Alberta
The Effects of Social Exclusion in Relation to Homelessness
Vulnerable populations experience greater health disparities due to their low socioeconomic status, leading to overall poor health and quality of life. Social determinants of health emphasize the impact society has on health and suggests ways to bridge inequalities, through the use of social supports such as the Mustard Seed. These social supports help to build relationships with people experiencing poverty in efforts to prevent social exclusion.
Background
On January 31, 2018, my Lab group and I attended the Mustard Seed; a non-profit organization
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When all of these determinants of health are met one is able to live a healthy and full life, but when one of these or many of these determinants are challenged, it diminishes one’s health and overall well-being. Volunteering at the Mustard Seed has emphasized the impact determinants of health can have on homelessness, making me question the relationship between social supports and social environments, and the impact homelessness has in relation to social …show more content…
Lack of social support leads to an increase in negative behaviors, as a result of coping mechanism. Social environments contribute to health, because it focuses on the community aspect of society and the environment in which we live our lives daily. There is a strong relationship between these two determinants because the environmental factors play a role on the quality of social support one has. People experiencing homelessness have poor quality environments and struggle daily with a variety of social factors like income, shelter, food, and