In the Shadow of Social Inequality: Homelessness
In the Shadow of Social Inequality: Homelessness

Summary/Abstract: The study adopts a critical approach to examine the challenges of measuring and researching homelessness, emphasizing the complex interplay between structural factors and social processes. Drawing on a literature-based theoretical framework, it integrates comparative analyses and policy recommendations to synthesize existing knowledge and promote the practical application of multidimensional approaches. The research highlights how socioeconomic inequalities, housing market deregulation, and punitive homelessness policies exacerbate structural barriers, further entrenching social exclusion. The study underscores the necessity of integrated social policy interventions and advocates for empirically validated strategies, such as theHousing First approach, legal anti-segregation measures, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Qualitative comparative analyses confirm that policies based on criminalization hinder social reintegration, whereas rights-based housing models, such as those implemented in Portugal and Scotland, promote long-term stability and social inclusion. Furthermore, the study calls for the broader application of the ETHOS model, which enhances the international comparability of homelessness definitions and improves the efficiency and impact of targeted policy interventions. By framing homelessness as a structural issue rather than an individual failure, the research advocates for a paradigm shift toward comprehensive, interdisciplinary solutions thatintegrate housing security, employment accessibility, and mental health support as fundamental pillars of social policy decision-making.

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