1. Gender and homelessness : a qualitative exploration into the lives of single adult women experiencing homelessness in the North West of England
- Author
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le Couteur, Emily, Hanley, Terry, and Wynn, Gabriel
- Subjects
Counselling psychology ,Social justice ,Critical feminism ,Homeless women ,Homelessness ,Gender - Abstract
Background and research aims: Little is known about single adult women's experiences of homelessness due to a concentration of literature on male homelessness. Furthermore, the empirical and statistical nature of much homelessness research, including that on skills and educational training needs, does not allow for in depth exploration of homeless women's perceptions and experiences. This study seeks to address these knowledge gaps and add to the limited existing literature on single women's homelessness, drawing on social justice and critical feminist frameworks to explore this underrepresented phenomenon. Method and methodology: This study is informed by a transformative research paradigm, adopting both social justice and critical feminist frameworks, and a qualitative methodology, to explore the lived experiences of single, homeless women. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to produce three key themes. Analysis: The analysis produced three themes, the third of which was divided into two sub-themes. The themes are as follows: 1) "I have the fear. Now the fear starts". Experiences of threat and perceptions of vulnerability; 2) "She's still stuck by me, and I love that about her". Attachment bonds between the women and the staff as a precursor to healing and growth; 3) The importance of choice and freedom; 3.1) "Because there was nothing…nowhere else you could turn to". Loss of choice and freedoms during homelessness is damaging to women's emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing; 3.2) "Now I have my own goals, I want to do something in the future". Fostering a sense of choice and freedom within skills and education pathways has positive outcomes for self-development and self-efficacy. Discussion: The findings of this thesis were able to elucidate the experiences of single, homeless women across seven key areas: 1) Loss of home as a gendered issue; 2) Rough sleeping; 3) Perceptions and conceptualisations of vulnerability; 4) Relational disintegration and redevelopment: the power of the relationship; 5) Economic marginalisation during homelessness and restricted access to the labour market; 6) Learning environments, engagement, and traumainformed care; 7) Limitation of liberties. Limitations, reflexive considerations, implications for CP, directions for future research, and implications for frontline practitioners are offered.
- Published
- 2023