Procesos e itinerarios en las personas sin hogar

Abstract

This dissertation belongs to an increasing body of work on the study of homelessness in Europe. Current changes in the economy and welfare states of European Union States and an increasing risk of homelessness make this study and its findings critically relevant for the development of policy prevention and service provision. This study uses the European Typology of Homelessnes and Housing exclusión as the conceptual framework which allows for comparison this phenomenon throug h the different European States. The use of this framework affords the researcher to conceptualise the study of homelessness sub categories according to the living situation, as a process. A mixed methods approach has been used to conduct this study consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods. The dissertation includes a argued rationale for the choice of this methodology based on evidence from the literatura and a critical approach to empirical research. The dissertation, through the use of this methodology, endeavours to account for a comprehensive depiction of the experience of homelessness based on statistical data as well as People´s own experience of the phenomenon under examination. The findings of this study are substantial and have implications for policy development, and service design and evaluation. The analysis of quantitative data provides a very comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of homelessness attending to demographic factors, inter -generational analysis, causes of homelessness, living conditions and residential exclusion. Such detailed analysis of homelessness allows for specific prevention policies and service planning and evaluation. Furthermore, the findings of the study outline the differences in needs and subsequent service provision different demographic groups, including people from Spain and people from other countries. The qualitative analysis of data provides a longitudinal and biography dimensions to homelessness and trajectories of homeless people its causes, and second, distinct groups of homeless people in Spain.