The world we live in mainly consists of interactions on a social level between individuals and most of these interactions follow a particular pattern which can be easily identified. The term social interactions is defined as the system through which individuals react towards other individuals. Social interaction is alleged to be the heart of developing any form communion between individuals or groups in the society. Social interaction is correlated with social structure which is why we cannot address one without mentioning the other. For instance, when it comes to the issue of homelessness, which is a social crisis, the social interactions and social structures are used to explain how the problem can be propagated or ended (Kendall, 2012).
The intricate outline of institutions in the society like religion, economy and politics is what social structure entails. Social responsibilities and policies are the tools used to govern individual’s conduct, which is crucial in order for the society to thrive. They create a network of relations and rapports that bonds everyone to the society at large. Masses of homeless individuals have become disoriented with this fundamental bond, which is why they habitually encounter episodes of lost ethical principles and self-worth (Snow and Anderson, 1993).
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The definition of a homeless individual varies depending on where you reside in the U.S. the population defined as homeless consists of a variety of individuals ranging from single individuals to those with families. About 40% of homeless individuals in the U.S comprises of children, African-Americans about 49%, Caucasians about 35%, Hispanics 13%, Asian Americans 1%and Native Americans 2% in 2004 (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2005). This illustrates that individuals who are homeless are varied. They are inclusive of both male and female veterans, parolees, children, escapee adolescence, elderly and undocumented personnel. A huge population of homeless individuals is living on the streets due to lack of an alternative as opposed to what many believe. One great misconception is that many of them have run away from mental institutions or are jobless. An estimated 22% of them are employed full time or part-time but the wages are extremely low, such that they cannot afford proper housing (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2005).
Homelessness can be defined in various forms and the most literal definition is having no roof over your head or having no place to call home. Some of the definitions are regarded as controversial especially when it comes to the issue of homelessness in women. Generally, individuals who lie-down in cars, streets, beneath bridges and deserted buildings. Nonetheless, individuals living in shelters and other emergency housings are also considered homeless. Most individuals do not jump from owning apartments to being homeless; they for sometimes bunk with family or friends hence joining the “hidden homeless”. Others stay in hotels or lodges. The “hidden homeless” community mostly comprises of women due to fear of being sexually abused and to protect their children if they have any. When homelessness is defined in the literal form, the society overlooks serious underlying issues which mainly affect women, especially those with families (Kendall, 2012).
Homelessness can be categorized as literal, cultural and subjective. Cultural homelessness refers to whereby an individual is living under conditions that the society considers inferior. Subjective homelessness is defined as when an individual considers their current place of residence to be volatile, precarious and insecure. Women are especially prone to subjective homelessness due to the rapid rise in domestic violence and other conditions that make homes uninhabitable (Chamberlain and Mackenzie, 2008).
Many veterans are also prone to become homeless after they are done with their active duty, if they do not have some money stashed somewhere or fail to find someone to employ them. A research conducted in 2000 showed that about 6% of the homeless consist of female veterans. The percentage is steadily rising since in 2010 a similar survey showed that the population had risen up to 8%. The predicament of homelessness is greatly affecting women and more so veterans with children. The economic environment and abrupt deployment are some of the main factors that have contributed to the rise in the number of homeless women veterans. There has been no specific technique used to determine the number of homeless female veterans as compared to the male ones, but the existing data suggest that female veterans are double the male ones.it is estimated that about 10 -15% of the homeless population comprises of veterans (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2005).
Male veterans have high chances of altering their military expertise to fit the capabilities of their current position, while for women it might be extremely tough. This is because the other women they are competing with for similar jobs have recognizable and perceptible professional qualifications. If they are not lucky enough to land a job that means that they are also not in a position to afford a home, leave alone running one. Many of the women veterans end up hoping from one emergency housing to the next, and occasionally pairing up with friends or family. The military consists of huge population of men as compared to women, which translates that the number of services in favor of men are more compared to women (Kendall, 2012).
In some states where the issue if homeless women veterans is quite high, some organizations have set up places where permanent homes are given to them. They are provided with basic needs like toiletries, clothes and electrical appliances. A portion of these homes is set aside for female veterans but at times the resources available are limited. Women have more needs that exceed just personal care items, which is what majority of people donate. This is because some of the female veterans have children accompanying them (Kendall, 2012).
References
Chamberlain, C., & MacKenzie, D. (2008). Counting the homeless 2006: Australia.
Kendall, D. (2012). Sociology in our times . Cengage Learning.
Snow, D. A., & Anderson, L. (1993). Down on their luck: A study of homeless street people . Univ of California Press.
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). (2005). Opening Doors: Federal Strategic
Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, As Amended in 2005 . Washington: USICH
