Homelessness from the Point of View of Sociological Imagination Summary

Homelessness from the Point of View of Sociological Imagination
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Homelessness from the Point of View of Sociological Imagination
Introduction
Social imagination refers to an individual’s ability to see things from a social point of view. According to Wright Mills, sociological imagination involves making links between personal troubles and public issues CITATION Mil59 \p 45 \l 2057 (Mills, 1959, p. 45). From this point of view, Mills argued that some of the personal predicaments like unemployment faced by individuals in society are associated with the broader issues within the society. The historical, cultural, structural, and critical context of society is the key aspect of the sociological imagination and plays a significant role in determining how individuals suffer a certain problem. Homelessness, for instance, is among the key problems facing the global population, and its prevalence can be linked to broader issues in society.
Homelessness
According to research findings by Habitat for Humanity, 25% of the global population live in conditions that pose serious health risks CITATION Dav171 \p 7 \l 2057 (Davis, 2017, p. 7). The problem goes beyond those affected because it puts pressure on public resources like the school and health care system. The effect is therefore burdened by society in the end. Homelessness is often blamed on individuals who are living in the streets. Some corners are perceived as lazy, uneducated, and unmotivated, implying that homelessness is a personal choice CITATION Mab17 \l 2057 (Mabhala, Yohannes, & Griffith, 2017). However, there are several ways in which the personal predicaments of homelessness are linked with societal factors. When society blames the victims, it hides from the fact that there are key societal issues that lead to homelessness.
Structural Factors
From a structural point of view, homelessness is caused by several factors, including the cost of education, unemployment, poverty, failures in the foster care system, and shortcomings of the health care system. Education, for instance, is among the key ways in which people can be elevated out of poverty CITATION Pia14 \l 2057 (Piat, Polvere, & Kirst, 2014). The cost of education makes it difficult for poor populations to pursue opportunities to provide income that will cover housing. Healthcare costs are also a major factor, especially in countries like the United States, where thousands run into poverty due to health-related expenses. Poverty may lead to loss of housing, leading to homelessness. Failures in the foster care system result in individuals who are unstable mentally and psychologically. These individuals face problems because they are unable to secure housing throughout their life. In the United States, the prevalence of systemic racism and inequality is a major determinant factor that causes some people to be homeless, especially from minority and low-income communities.
Cultural Factors
Cultural factors also play a significant role in homelessness. For instance, when society stigmatizes mental health problems and substance abuse tendencie...