Homeless Voices: Stigma, Space, and Social Media

Homeless Voices: Stigma, Space, and Social Media emphasizes the importance of listening to people who are homeless themselves to find solutions to homelessness. It explores how space and land have been denied to marginalized communities, the conditions of common spaces for those experiencing homelessness, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on homelessness, particularly among vulnerable groups such as domestic violence victims and unaccompanied youth. The book includes a variety of case studies and finds that intersectionality plays a significant role in understanding and experiencing homelessness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Homeless Voices: Stigma, Space, and Social Media makes a compelling case that those who are directly impacted by homelessness, particularly through their personal blogs and memoirs, hold the key to understanding and addressing the complex issues surrounding this societal problem. In her insightful book, Mary L. Schuster delves into the historical denial of space and land to marginalized communities, which continues to have lasting effects today. She also examines the conditions and limitations of common spaces often assigned to those experiencing homelessness, highlighting the challenges they face.

Furthermore, Schuster conducts an in-depth analysis of how the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has exacerbated the alreadyexisting challenges faced by homeless individuals. She specifically focuses on two vulnerable groups that often experience homelessness: victims of domestic violence and unaccompanied youth, particularly those who struggle with gender identity and unstable housing.

To support her arguments, the book includes a diverse range of case studies, encompassing public meetings, court decisions, public policy symposiums, and personal interviews. These case studies provide valuable insights into the experiences of homeless individuals and the systemic barriers they encounter.

One of the key findings of Homeless Voices is the importance of intersectionality in understanding and experiencing homelessness. Schuster argues that age, race, gender identity, and ethnicity all play significant roles in shaping an individual's experience of homelessness. By shifting our attention to the diverse voices who experience homelessness themselves, Schuster believes that we can begin to break down the stigmatization and discrimination that perpetuate this crisis.

This book will be of immense value to scholars in the fields of media studies, sociology, and urban development. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding homelessness, providing valuable insights for policymakers, service providers, and community members alike.

In conclusion, Homeless Voices: Stigma, Space, and Social Media is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding and addressing homelessness. By centering the voices of those who are directly impacted by this societal problem, Schuster offers a powerful perspective that challenges our assumptions and encourages us to take action. This book is a valuable contribution to the field and will undoubtedly inspire further discussions and initiatives to address this critical issue.

Weight: 413g
Dimension: 232 x 154 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793635723