Homeless Population in America Essay - 2680 Words

One of the most prominent social issues is that of the homeless population. According to Korge Furst, 24 percent of the homeless population are severely mentally ill, 20 percent are physically disabled, 19 percent are employed, 14 percent are victims of domestic violence, 14 percent are veterans, while 3 percent are HIV positive (Chp. 2.4, 2012). Although there are numerous programs and policies to eradicate homelessness, we still see that the numbers continue to rise. Essentially, social theories such as conflict, functionalist, and symbolic interactionist theories have been fundamental methods used to study and examine social issues like homelessness. Therefore, expanding on innovative methods and policies for the vulnerable†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, some interactional theorists would most likely point to the unwillingness with some employers to hire homeless individuals and may lack any academic or prior employment experience. This is more often than not a terrib le disappointment as well as discouragement for the lower economic status individuals and is one element that sometimes discourages numerous homeless people from even trying to pursue employment in the first place. Korgen tells us â€Å"The nature of our interactions with others determines how we see ourselves and our role in society. In turn, our actions are conditioned, though not determined, by the social situations in which we find ourselves â€Å"(Chp. 1.3, 2012). The third sociological theory that helps explain the homeless population is that of the Symbolic Interactionist. Korgen Furst state†¦ â€Å"Symbolic interactionist theory maintains that society is a social construct, continually created and recreated by humans interactions with one another. So basically what we agree upon as a society. As we practice certain patterns of interaction, we reinforce the belief that society just works that way. Therefore, Symbolic Interactionist maintain that by changing how we interact with one another, we can changeShow MoreRelatedA Vulnerable Population: The Homeless in America919 Words   |  4 PagesA Vulnerable Population: The Homeless in America Introduction Homelessness in America should be a growing concern. When discussing the United States current economic crisis comparisons with the Great Depression are becoming more and more common. Tent cities or makeshift shelters in specified areas or just beyond city limits are becoming familiar sites across the country. Each of these cities contains dozens if not hundreds of families struggling to just survive (Maide, 2010). 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