Working with Homeless Populations to Increase Access to Services: A Social Service Providers’ Perspective Through the Lens of Stereotyping and Stigma
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2-2018
Abstract
Through the lens of stereotyping and stigma, this article examines discrimination and prejudice toward homeless families from the perspective of social service providers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with practitioners. A critical social work practice perspective is used to provide a framework for understanding how social worker knowledge about discrimination and prejudice informs the ways in which the workers engage with clients, build capacities, and advocate for clients in an anti-oppressive manner. The themes found in this study include: a) providers’ awareness of bias, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; b) providers’ use of a range of strategies to work with people experiencing homelessness; c) providers’ ideas about strategies that organizations can implement for service provision; and) providers’ belief that additional advocacy and policy are needed in relationship to people experiencing homelessness.
Publication Title
Journal of Progressive Human Services
Volume
29
Issue
1
First Page
81
Last Page
101
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/10428232.2018.1394784
ISSN
10428232
E-ISSN
15407616
Citation Information
Weng, & Clark, P. G. (2018). Working with Homeless Populations to Increase Access to Services: A Social Service Providers’ Perspective Through the Lens of Stereotyping and Stigma. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 29(1), 81–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428232.2018.1394784