Making Better Lives: Hope, Freedom and Home-Making among People Sleeping Rough in Paris

Johannes Lenhard observes the daily practices, routines, and techniques of people who are sleeping rough on the streets of Paris, focusing on their survival practices, short-term desires and hopes, earning money, choosing the best place to sleep, and the role of drugs and alcohol.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

In this captivating ethnographic study, Johannes Lenhard delves deep into the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness on the streets of Paris. Through meticulous observation and thorough analysis, the book sheds light on the diverse daily practices, routines, and techniques employed by these individuals to survive in their challenging circumstances. The central focus of the book revolves around their survival strategies, encompassing their short-term desires and hopes, the various means they employ to earn a livelihood through begging, their meticulous selection of optimal sleeping locations, and the significant role that drugs and alcohol play in their lives.

Moreover, the book takes readers on a journey through various institutional settings, providing a glimpse into the world of homeless day centers, needle exchange programs, centers for individuals with alcohol problems, and homeless shelters. Through these diverse experiences, Lenhard offers a poignant portrayal of the struggles, resilience, and human spirit of those facing homelessness.

This ethnographic study not only provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of homeless individuals but also raises important societal questions about the systemic issues contributing to homelessness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, support, and comprehensive solutions to address this pressing social problem.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800733671