The stabilizing roles of the homeless

This research examined whether differences exist among homeless people in their connectedness to society as reflected in their role involvements. Many researchers use typologies to identify homeless people. None of the typologies directly examined the social connectedness of these people.

Interviewers questioned forty-five homeless people from Knoxville shelters, and four people who were located on the streets in May 1988. Specific questions that centered on the symbolic interactionist perspective were extracted from the original interview schedule. The responses to these questions were cross-tabulated and chi­ square was used. The analysis of the data reported many relationships among the variables.

The thesis concluded that females and black males who claimed familial roles were more connected to society and had not been on the streets long. An examination of the role involvements of homeless people may have substantive value for homeless care providers and policy makers because it may assist them in identifying effective solutions.