In Defense of Homelessness

Andrew Smith

doi:10.1007/s10790-013-9405-x

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Journal article

Peer reviewed

In Defense of Homelessness

Andrew Smith

The Journal of value inquiry, v 48(1)

Mar 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10790-013-9405-x

Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

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Abstract

Interdisciplinary Studies

Public International Law

Ontology

Ethics

Political Theory

Philosophy

“Homelessness simply is not an acceptable lifestyle to us.” —Major William G. Nottle, Salvation ArmyFootnote1 “Avoiding officially sanctioned shelters at all costs, the homeless take refuge almost anywhere else—in alleys, parks, tunnels, and abandoned buildings, under bridges, and so on. The police have to roust them from these areas regularly, because if the homeless become comfortable anywhere, what motive have they to stop being homeless? The trouble is, for some strange reason, it doesn’t work worth a damn.” —Daniel QuinnFootnote2 1 Introduction David Wagner asserts that Americans tend to view the homeless in one of three ways. The most common is a hostile and judgmental view whereby the homeless are regarded as “disruptive of the public order.”Footnote3 Those who hold this view demand that the homeless pull themselves together and return to work and a proper family life—or, barring this, to simply disappear from sight. Less widespread is a charitable view whereby the homeless must be shown compassion and provided with assistance in order to become housed and employed. Particularly prevalent among those who provide social services is a therapeutic view according to which the homeless are considered to be potential clients who can regain their self-esteem and social standing through proper treatment. [1st paragraph]