Celitha Edwards (Homelessness Quiz)

Homelessness

The article "Revisiting the Contact Hypothesis: The Case of Public Exposure to Homelessness" highlights the findings of a national survey conducted in 1990 (Lee,Farrell,Link 2004). Researchers set out to exam contact hypothesis, as it relates to the relationship between domiciled and homeless people. In the social sciences, Contact Theory is the concept that face to face interaction between 2 opposing groups is the most adequate way to address hostilities between the in and out groups (Lee et al. 2004) This research was geared towards finding trends in the public opinion of the domiciled on the homeless. This study was different in its approach to the subject. Instead of only considering face to face interactions, researchers expanded the contact theory to include any and all forms of interaction between different groups (Lee et al. 2004).

The stereotypes of homeless people attribute to the severe disconnect in humanity. This study shows that domiciled people that believe homelessness is caused by an apathetic attitude and self-loathing, are not likely to be sympathetic to the homeless (Lee et al. 2004).  Therefore, they are unwilling to understand the struggle of each individual, instead they view their behavior as a n exhibition of their true self. Domiciled people who blame the structure of society for birthing and nurturing poverty in America, are more likely to feel sympathy for the homeless (Lee et al. 2004).

However, overexposure to homelessness can change these sympathetic views.  People will begin to avoid situations where contact with a homeless person is predicted or more likely to occur (Lee et al. 2004). The researchers used the example of a store owner that takes up issue with the homeless loitering in front of their business. The very presence of homeless people has become a nuisance.

The article "A Decade of Change: Measuring the Extent, Depth and Severity of Food Insecurity" looks at the data collected over time from numerous Current Population Surveys (Balistreri 2016). These researchers compared the food insecurity data from the pre and post-recession era. Research shows that low-income families with children are at the highest risk to suffer from food insecurity (Balistreri 2016). Income and race are contributing factors to food insecurity. Though low income homes experience food insecurity at a higher rate than the rest of the population, there is a difference based on their race. Low income blacks, despite the presence of children are more likely that low income white households to experience food insecurity (Balistreri 2016). One program in place to circumvent the issue of food insecurity in low income homes is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The researchers make the argument that SNAP should be protected against any legislation threatening to take it away (Balistreri 2016).