ElicetE made a really good point in a recent comment to the Nouveaux Pauvre posting.
I think the best thing anthropology can do is try to understand the problem. If we can get to know the homeless community and understand their basic needs, maybe we can start finding solutions for them.
The question then becomes: How can anthropology do this?
Felicia Salcido’s recent posting on this subject illustrates one response that practicing or applied anthropologists can do to begin to answer these questions.
Does the past century of anthropology hold other secrects or applications we have not yet discussed?
TheAnthroGeek
anthroguy
Felicia Salcido
33 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 24, 2009 at 8:08 am
LauradawnR
In response to the question How can Anthropology help to understand the homeless and help get them off the streets, I feel that anthropology can do this by first off, studying each person, individually, finding their strengths and weaknesses and with that information they can help them find suitable jobs that they really would be able to be good at and be able to do. If we give them a little to get going, a job, some motivation, i feel that they will be able to take it from there and find them someplace to live and have a better life. I know this would be hard to do for everyone, but if we were to start somewhere, it would at least start to make a difference and then we could move forward and further. I know it is also probably impossible to get all homeless off the street, because like other have said some people just cant be motivated to do anything, they are to into drugs and they are so lost, they want to be living on the streets because it is easy access for drugs. But today, because of the economy being so bad and so many people loosing jobs, there are a lot of people who would appreciate a little help to get them going again. Right now a lot of people would be happy with any job, small or big, as long as it is bringing in some kind of income.
So basically if Anthropology had some research and studying done on the homeless it would be easier to help them get back on their feet and off of our city’s streets.
May 18, 2009 at 11:52 am
BillyJeaneC
There is that one saying, ” Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime’ I think the efforts of the anthropology professionals are consistent in solving the problem of homelessness. Anthropologist can observe and research individual displaced people to find out what would work best for them. My concern was if we give them help in the form of money, food, and other material things, its not gonna be as beneficial for them in the long run as compared to if the government had more jobs to offer people based on their qualifications. Since the decline of the economy, we have been seeing alot of intellectually qualified and professional individuals who are loosing their jobs and their homes because the have no way of paying for their debts and other financial responsibilities. Once Anthropologist come out with possible solutions on the issue, we can then determined and hopefully solve the problem. Building houses for displaced people and assisting them with food is wonderful but helping them get on their feet and making their own income to be able to support themselves not only benefit each of the people involved but also benefits the government because there are more job markets and people who can work for companies.
April 24, 2009 at 11:37 pm
ChristinaB
In my opinion I think that through the study of Anthropology there is a significant amount of information to be learned and observed, which in return will help people understand and help provide for the homeless. Anthropology presents different types of people and their lifestyles ranging from their way of life to survival mechanisms. Just as anthropologists study other cultures in their environment the same technique can be used with homeless people. Living in an homeless environment could provide a better understanding to what it actually feels like being homeless. Living in such conditions and learning to live the way they do with such limited resources could help others to identify what the homeless people really need. It provides insight from another who actually, physically lived that life temporarily and was able to observe from the inside. If we did this today we could begin the process of making improvements in the lives of homeless people by providing them with services which could help them live a healthy life. Through anthropology we could study this group of people just like other groups of people to gain some perspective on how and why they do the things they do. In effort to help them get back on their feet and give them a second chance at life.
April 26, 2009 at 7:58 am
Wesley D
Anthropologists can go to the homeless and inquire about their basic needs. It is important to know if their basic needs are being met. Anthropology does a great job of trying to see one’s culture or views from their perspective rather than our own. Perhaps homelessness is only a problem because those of us that are not homeless think it is a problem. Do the homeless feel that being homeless is a problem? These are questions that anthropologists can answer. I believe that if the homeless populations is having their basic needs met then there will not be any incentive or motivator for them to not be homeless. Perhaps anthropologists could help the homeless see that having a more sturdy home and contributing to society will be beneficial to them. Then their view on their current lifestyle might change.
April 26, 2009 at 8:46 am
RKroytz
So basically anthropology is the mechanism used to understand problems. Whatever the problem is homelessness, poverty, global warming, Capitalist greed, or anything anthropology and its approach to organized analysis can help interested parties understand the subject better. This in turn allows these same parties to try to device a solution for said problem, which then can be analyzed for possible issues by an anthropologist. I like this idea because of its test and retest mentality, which will help assure a solid idea and good implementation of said idea. By using anthropology to understand problems it makes it easier to arrive at a solution, but not just any solution, the best solution.
April 26, 2009 at 11:39 am
JamieO
Anthropology can help the homeless in a variety of ways. I think someone needs to get objective and subjective data on those that are homeless. Look at the ones that have been homeless the longest and why have they not better themselves. For some people, they have an addiction problem of any sort and they have lost everything by their choices. It is very hard for them to talk to their family members, because they have lost their trust. Now with the economy there are more homeless people because they had lost their homes due to foreclosures. That is another topic in itself. Research has to done on these people. If these people are given the resources to get a job and an apartment to live in do they not want to be homeless? There are many factors to look at in the homeless topic. Each factor has to be looked at closely and see the connection of the two.
May 10, 2009 at 6:12 pm
TriciaM
Another cause of homelessness is drug addiction. Drugs are very expensive and can very be the cause of an individual’s financial problems. The problem is that many drug addicts may not want help. Applied anthropologists can only help that want help and can help themselves. A few things that applied anthropologist could explore and research is homelessness and drug addiction. They could explore the endless cyle of drug abuse, addiction, and homelessness. Applied anthropologists could then create resolutions and programs that could help eleviate the problems of homelessness and drug addiction.
April 27, 2009 at 8:21 am
ChadCarlson
We know what the “basic” needs of the homeless are: a home, food, employment. What anthropology can do to provide these things is find the psychological and cultural similarities amongst the homeless population, and use that information to devise programs which will address those similarities. I think JamieO is the closest to this concept in comment.
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
-Why do some individuals facing the same situations (unemployment, losing a home, financial burden) as those living in “tent cities” adapt and overcome their situations while the “tent city” population can’t?
-What percentage of those who enter a “tent city” leave? How long were they in the tent city population/culture? How did they go about leaving (address their situation)?
-Why do some stay, is it by choice or circumstances? What aspect of this sub-culture appeals to them if they are there by choice?
April 27, 2009 at 6:14 pm
CaraMarie
I like this. The only thing I would add is that the solution MUST be individualized. This ‘problem’ is not generalized. People have their reasons for living specific lifestyles. And trying to create a solution that would suit everyone is improbable. I still do not see what homelessness is considered a problem. Maybe too much technology and societal influences and pressure to conform is our problem….
May 1, 2009 at 11:56 am
ChadCarlson
I’m sorry, but I have to disagree with you. The “problem” as viewed is very generalized,… they are ALL homeless. How they became homeless, or why they remain homeless is is an “individual” consideration. Assessing/addressing the individual’s circumstance is a job for the psychologist/social worker, not the anthropologist.
To use your closing sentences (which I feel is a valid point/question) to make my point for generalization in anthropology:
Why does our society/culture view homelessness as problem?
Asking this question of one person does not provide “society’s” reasoning.
May 5, 2009 at 6:40 pm
CaraMarie
i agree with it being individual problem. I feel that is part of the problem. I almost feel as though each person would need to be individually questioned so that they can be ‘helped’ if needed. I feel that homelessness isn’t necessarily a problem. I just don’t know why we all have to live the same. Unless these homeless people are causing problems with other people… (fighting, shooting each other or by standers, stealing, etc).
I don’t see how understanding a person would not be an issue for an anthropologist. Isn’t that the main study topic people and their culture’s….
I think that the information from the individuals can be used to create a basis of culture and society. But the question is about how to help the homeless not be homeless.
May 11, 2009 at 9:10 am
Tricia M
The reason why our society/culture views homelessness as a problem is because, the homeless do not have the basic comfort needs that the majority of Americans have. This is a country that is very proud of their own materialistic possessions and comforts. If an American wants to have their material possessions, they have to work hard for it. If an individual does not have their basic material needs and is begging for money, they are looked down upon and maybe seen as lazy as well. Also most Americans stereotype homeless people as being drug addicts, mentally ill, prostitutes, lazy, and criminals. These are all stigmas that Americans look down upon.
April 28, 2009 at 3:07 pm
AmandaLo
How can anthropology get to know the homeless community and understand their basic needs? Simple, we get down and dirty and we personally go in and do one on one interviews with the individuals. An anthropologists needs to ask questions like: what is it that you want? What will make you happy? And how can I help you? The person in trouble needs to feel comfortable with the solution because if the person is not comfortable he or she will bounce back into poverty. The anthropologist needs to determine what will help or hinder a person in life. Maybe, some people can only find work in places that go against their religious beliefs.
April 28, 2009 at 6:12 pm
JoeC
I believe the biggest reason that people become nouveaux pauvre is lack of money. Anthropologists can help in finding out how this occurred in individual cases. Overall the rise in homelessness is due to a downward economy but the only knowledge of how this affects the little guy who is working 8-5 is through economists and staticians who in large part are out of touch with reality. Anthropoligists could fill the niche in reporting the details of how individuals lost their jobs, what jobs they lost, and in what type of industry. This can tell us on a larger scale what type of jobs are suffering the most, what people are being most affected, and whether or not these circumstances vary geographically. With this knowledge we may be able to get at the real root of the problem with the economy.
May 6, 2009 at 1:29 pm
JosephL
I do not think it is the anthropologists job to determine what jobs were lost and how those individuals lost them, especially in a downward spiralling economy, that is the job of an economist. The simple answer to that question is that companies need to make cuts somewhere in order to bring their companies back into the black. All “higher-ups” in the work force believe that the way to cut costs is to start cutting of the lower class workers, instead of creating new and inventive ideas, which without a job and a savings forces these people into diar straights and eventually homelessness. By cutting off the feet of a company, you only cripple that company and the company will only get worse over time. Real cut backs should be made at the top, decapitate the company and start anew, they make the most money and do little or none of the leg work that makes the company profitable.
May 1, 2009 at 11:13 am
elsag
Anthropology has a big role when it comes to reducing the number of people living in the streets. Anthropologists have the capacity and skill to understand the issue and study it. I think that it is important to know how individuals ended up in the streets and understand their basic needs. Also, it is important to know if people living outdoors either have the desire to better their situation or just stay in the same spot. I am saying this because some homeless people will prefer to stay where they are at, and not accept help from anyone, except charity places where they offer food and temporary shelter. I am not applying this to all peoples, just the very few. So it is very important to know the situation; in order to permanently reduce the number of people living without a home, individuals for example, anthropologists must understand the roots of the problem first in order to have an effective outcome to the solution… I think. Now, as far as the other question, well… I don’t know. Do they hold secrets or application we have not yet discussed?
May 2, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Jessica Huntbach
I think that anthropologists have a lot of power when it comes to influencing other people to change. I think that if anthropologists get out there and study what the homeless want and need, and then report it back to the local, state, and federal government, maybe they will listen and take action. I feel as if citizens have no influence on government, other than the fact that we vote these people into office. But we cannot walk up to capital hill and demand to talk to President Obama about the issues that concern us. It takes a lot more than that. We have to write letters and keep writing letters until someone finally cares. I think that if anthropologists did an actual study on the homeless problem, and then reported it to our congressmen and whoever else, maybe they would take a second look and actually start doing more for the people
May 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm
jesslynna
I am very torn on the issue of homelessness being a “problem”. I agree with what RudyS mentioned in the Nouveaux Pauvre part I, questioning how we know what is best for these people. We as individual humans all have different wants, desires and motivations. Whether we are helping to improve their quality of life, or simply helping them to conform, I am not sure.
I guess housing projects is one approach to homeslessness, literally building them homes, but I feel like this is just a temporary band-aid, not a solution to the “problem”. I can equate this to animal shelters housing homeless animals, yes it gives them a home (which is awesome!), but it does not stop the problem of overpopulation, which is the product of over breeding, irresponsible owners, etc. The “problem” needs to be addressed at the source (to the humans that are over breeding, and irresponsible).
So, I agree that it is important to understand what led these homeless people to their current situation, even if for no other reason than to further understand people in general. This will give us better insight into the situation to see how much of it really is a “problem”. An example may be the homeless person who is content with homelessness because they simply do not have the desire or motivation to do anything more. An anthropologist may be able to gather information from the person and develop some ideas as to how this person lost motivation to strive for more, but who is to decide what one should be motivated to do. Conversely, an anthropologist may gather information from a homeless person who has lost their job, and been a victim of “unfortunate circumstances” and better understand what led to these circumstances, and how one can prevent unfortunate situations in the future.
I am not sure how anthropologists will find “solutions” to homelessness, if it even needs solving. But I definitely agree that anthropologists should study this part of society, just as they do any other part of society.
May 10, 2009 at 5:59 pm
TriciaM
Applied anthropologists can help create resolutions for homelessness by investigating the causes of homelessness. One of the current big causes of homelessness is unemployment. Applied anthropologist could talk to employers, research our current economic situation, talk to banks, and etc. One area that applied anthropogists could explore is researching and then creating a new sub-prime loan program. They could help create a new sub-prime loan program that would enable people that are not financially rich and perfect to buy homes. But at the same time these loans would be fixed and viably safe for the banks. Part of the problem that caused the bank loan mess, was the banks were loaning sub-prime loans that were only fixed for two years, but then there payments would triple after the two years. As a result these families that were not financially rich to begin with would foreclose, and then both the family and the bank would lose money. Applied anthropologists need to explore areas that would increase jobs. Most industries depend on loan money and until safe and viable loan programs are in place economically we are not going to improve.
May 12, 2009 at 9:03 pm
PeterV
I think everybody can agree that there are multiple causes of ” homelessness” and different categories of ” homeless people”. There are the people who have been suddenly displaced through either natural disasters or economic disasters ( like the one TriciaM talks about). There are the mentally ill and the drug addicted. Then there are those who prefer to live that lifestyle. Drug addiction, The mental health system and the economic system are all very important aspects of “homelessness” that needs to be studied in more detail.
However, I think that Anthropology can best be used to study the culture of “homelessness” to gain an understanding of “homelessness” from their point of view. Also, how the larger culture views views “homelessness”. Both of these topics been discuss previously by other bloggers. What I would like to suggest is in addition to having Anthropologist go into “homeless” communities and study the “homeless”. I think the “homeless” should be given video cameras, diaries etc. so they can record what their daily lives are like. Whenever, a study is done their is an automatic bias into what will be study and what will be filmed and observed,especially in a documentary. The person filming the documentary will have a point of view that they will be trying to promote. For instance, a conservative person will proably focus on the issues of drugs to illustrate that ” homelessness” is a moral failure. The Liberal person my try to focus on the issue of mental health to illustrated that “homelessness” is a failure of society.By giving the “homeless” people the video cameras and diaries you will get a more multidemensional and accurate view unto what there lives are like. Also, why not give the people that work with the “homeless “cameras diaries, etc. and have them record their experiences. All of these various viewpoints” unbias” Anthropologist, The people who work with the “homeless” and the “homeless” themselves
May 12, 2009 at 9:08 pm
PeterV
please forgive me I mistakenly pushed the enter button before I was finished.
Cont.- and even the people in the neighboorhood where the “homeless” live. Will all us to best understand and address the problems of “homelessness”.
Take Care,
PeterV
May 12, 2009 at 9:26 pm
kiat
It is so heartwarming to see all the passionate responses to this article. It goes to show that members of this society can do something to help our homeless population. The homeless is often times stereotyped in a bad light, but one must always keep in mind the question “Were they victims of society?” Maybe their living condition has nothing to do with being lazy, rather it has everything to do with society or things that they have no direct control over what happened to them. Every one have a story so it is better not to just categorize them with terms–i think a lot of times scientist does this…
May 12, 2009 at 11:44 pm
SeanC
Like I said in the first response, if look at research that is kept on economics in Fresno County. We might be able to see a pattern and other geographical issues of why the increase of homeless has occurred. Also, anthropologist can do hands on research and go down to the “tent cities” and talk to the homeless and ask why they are homeless (personal or economics problems), have they tried to not be homeless, what do they want, how could we help, etc. This might take a while to do but if you have a class or group of people to do it, you could get a small case-study done.
May 13, 2009 at 2:03 pm
CarlinW
There are many avenues upon which Anthropologists can travel to arrive at a descriptive conclusion that (in some way) represents the basic needs of homeless people. Probably the most straight forward approach would be to simply live the life of a homeless person; put one’s self in the shoes of whom you seek to understand. I recently read article (which can be found at ) that talks about one woman’s experience as she spent a day pretending to be a homeless person. Granite it would take more than a day to gather enough data to provide an accurate statement about basic needs. And even though this woman was not an anthropologist, she describes her [eye-opening] experience and none-the-less sheds light on the idea. Many Anthropologists have studied directly with various cultures such as tribal societies. For example some anthropologists have studied the !Kung and have produced a significant amount of data and explanations that allow people to note the tribal’s basic way of living.
May 13, 2009 at 4:51 pm
SarahC
Anyone that has made a trip to downtown Fresno and seen the “tent city” for themselves was probably not very surprised by the article and the amount of homelessness that is prevalent in our city. You cannot argue that times are a bit tougher these days with our struggling economy and increasing job cuts, but I believe that if someone has the desire and will to live a life off the streets they can. There are resources available around every corner that aim to give the homeless the basics needs in life. The article mentions the small shelter sheds used for lodging, but this is only one of the many resources offered by the Poverello House. There is a soup kitchen that offers warm meals, the Holy Cross health clinic that offers free health care, a distribution center that provides clothes, a daycare center and activity classes that teach computer skills and sewing. One of the biggest factors playing a role in homelessness is drug and alcohol abuse. The Poverello House offers a several month program for men who receive shelter and a job as a reward for staying clean. Our society views the homeless as a problem that we need to fix, but that is not at all the case. We can push and shove to try and get the homeless back on their feet, but unless thats what they want themselves, it is not going to happen. I believe anthropologists could help the situation by finding out what we can do to motivate the homeless to work hard and instill a desire to want to change.
May 13, 2009 at 11:11 pm
JamieA
I think that to fully understand one’s lifestyle, you have to walk in their shoes. This phrase is practical in any situation. Your own perspective may not be similar or can be mis-interpreted by the actual person in focus. In regards to the lifestyle that homeless people encounter, it would be relatively difficult to find someone who would want to alter their own lifestyle to adjust to a homeless person’s living conditions. Although, I think that this would be the best way to get practical information that would generate better responses to acquire change. In some cases being homeless is a choice and in others it is forced. Each person’s reasoning for being in that situation is unique and many attributes vary in consequence. I think that some people who are offered help choose not to take it and there are others who desperately hope for a second chance to change their circumstances. There are resources available to compensate everyone despite what their different opinions may be about their own living conditions. Regardless, we can all agree that a little help, whether it’s sought out or not, can go a long way. Because homelessness effects everyone and not just those people in particular, it should be invested upon the community to get involved and do their part to help assist another human being. We study homeless people when we see them regardless of whether we intend to do so or not by simply observing them. Why not put this to use along with field research to find a solution that can accommodate the homeless population.
May 14, 2009 at 1:10 am
Viet T
The homeless issue is a good moment for us to make a distinction between anthropologists and applied anthropologists. There is a vast difference between knowing or learning about this problem and actually taking steps towards doing something. Action and organization are what’s most needed at this point. The homeless community needs help if things are to change, and “Anthropologists” can give them (and represent them) with a solid voice of reason. Individuals enter or remain homeless for individual reasons. We must identify those reasons that keep people homeless, even when certain help such as homeless shelters may be available. Researching this problem at the micro level, on an individual basis, should be part of any strategy that aims to help. Kudos to everyone involved with discussing, searching for, and implementing solutions.
May 15, 2009 at 1:42 pm
HaliC
I think this is a great answer to finding the problem. It is so important to get to really know and understand any type of community before someone takes action and tries to help. We must find out their needs to be able to help them most effectively. I believe this is a tough community to get to know the homeless people because many just want to be left alone. When I have gone to Downtown Fresno to feed the homeless and to deliver and decorate Christmas trees, there are many people that will just stay in their home and not want to talk with us. There are also some people that just want someone to talk to and were so appreciative that we came down there to help them out. I think by doing these simple acts, we can really develop relationships with some of the homeless people and get talking with them to find out what they truly need and how to help. We need to find out what they are willing to let us do so they won’t get frustrated with us feeling that we are getting into all their business.
May 18, 2009 at 3:45 pm
BillyJeaneC
HaliC I think one of the most beneficial things we can do for our community is by volunteering to help others in need. But your right some people just want to be left alone. There are many who like you said are very appreciative but some are also don’t have anything to do with us. I have encountered many homeless people who just go about their day to day business not bothering people and I’ve also seen some youths bothering them with taunts and insults. Its quite sad but that is the reality we live in. All we can do is try to reach out to those who want our help.
October 22, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Joesph A
I agree with what your saying HaliC about how homeless people are appreciative when you go up to them or give them something. I have done a couple of field trips where you go to Berkeley and talk to the homeless as well as going into San Francisco food banks to help feed the homeless. It can be scary to go up and start a conversation but, if you just sit down and have a conversation with a homeless person they will talk to you all day. They enjoy the company and like having someone to talk to. When I did this I found many things out about them. for example why they became homeless, what it is like being homeless, and I even asked that if they were given the chance to get a job and make a living would they change their lifestyle. There were only a few people out there that said they were not interested in being given a chance to change their lifes. So I also feel that if anthropologists explorer the lifes of homeless we can do something to help them becasue they are willing to talk to us about their lives.
September 30, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Jose V
I think that it is a great idea to make housing for the homeless or affordable to those in need. But this will not end the fundamental problem of homelessness. This will only get them out of the cold and terrible heat, which is good. I saw the saying on one of blogs “to give a man a fish will feed him one day, but teach the man to fish will feed him a life time” this is a great example of the quote. We should provide housing, but with the exception to help the individual succeed in his social difficulty, therefore helping the person’s reason for becoming a homeless in the first place. Treating the person’s medical, social, or mental issue, will give the individual a greater chance in re-entering society without difficulty.
November 6, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Chirag Patel
Anthropology can help homless in many different ways. I feel anthropology put themselves in homelss shoes and studying each homless person, individually, inquire basic needs and finding their strength and wekness. Anthropolgy does a great job to understand different culture’s around world from their (culture) point of view. I feel anthropology should apply same techniquies to understand homless needs. After all this anthropolgy have better feel about homless and with that information they can help them find suitable jobs that they really would be able to be good at and able to do it. Since the decline of economy many people losing jobs and homes and that is direct cause of increase in homeless populations. I know it is impossible to get all homless from street becuase some are into drugs and they don’t want to loose that previlage. Anthropolgists are working with local goverment to desigan and build houses for homless, so they can be ourt of street. I also think local goverment should work with anthropolgists to educate homless about dangeer of drug use and some kind of motivation class or speech to turn thier life around. There are many factors to look at in homless topic, but it can be resolved with help of anthropologists.
December 4, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Ricardo N.
(November)
I agree with many of the responses posted regarding this article. It’s nice to see that people are willing to give suggestions and are showing concerns regarding the homeless and would like to see a difference be made within this community. But back to the subject on how anthropology could find solutions for the homeless community, as ElicetE stated “I think the best thing anthropology can do is try to understand the problem. If we can get to know the homeless community and understand their basic needs, maybe we can start finding solutions for them”. I believe this approach would be the ideal way to try and come up with a solution to this homeless situation. A way we could improve the homeless situation while applying anthropology can be by studying each person individually, locating their strengths and weaknesses. By obtaining that information we could place them in a job suitable for them and their qualifications. There they would be able to maintain a stable job and help themselves get back on their feet. As we are all aware, Fresno County has many homeless inhabitants, this task will take time and dedication but with the support of people this task could be accomplished. The reason why I believe its better helping the homeless get back on their feet by helping them get a job then rather building a housing project is because building a housing project would only be a temporary solution and not a solution to the problem. If an individual really wants to make a change and succeed then they will maintain the job. If an individual relies on others to find them a place to stay then they will continue relying on others for other needs. There are also many other resources around every corner that aim to give the homeless the basics needs in life, it’s all up to the homeless to take advantage of them.