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Stigma, Culture, and Social Ties in the Process of Exiting Homelessness, Tokyo and Los Angeles.
- Source :
- Conference Papers - American Sociological Association; 2011 Annual Meeting, p843-843, 1p
- Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- This paper draws on longitudinal interview research among persons living in transitional housing programs in Tokyo and Los Angeles to explore how experiences of the stigma of homelessness are shaped culturally. I find that a stronger stigma of homelessness in Japan combines with generational factors and rigid gender norms (the "male breadwinner" role) to prevent individuals experiencing homelessness to turn to friends and family for assistance in trying to exit homelessness. Also, the stigma of place in terms of residence in a program for the homeless serves as a greater barrier to employment in Tokyo. While drawing on familial and friendship ties is a primary means to exit homelessness in Los Angeles, in Tokyo individuals most often fend for themselves in the low-wage labor market. This renders exits more tenuous there given unstable work and a lack of social support. This comparative analysis contributes to the study of culture and poverty by demonstrating how stigma attached to disadvantaged statuses can vary across cultures via how it affects access to social capital and employment. It also informs urban sociology by bringing to the fore the role of culture in shaping local manifestations of inequality amid globalization, and highlighting how the stigma of place can vary according to locale. Last, it criticizes studies of homelessness by demonstrating that efforts to exit homelessness represent the major focus in addressing stigma of the condition rather than more accommodative management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- HOMELESSNESS
EMPLOYMENT
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Conference Papers - American Sociological Association
- Publication Type :
- Conference
- Accession number :
- 85658371