In Halifax, homelessness undermines community well-being. Individuals and families need sociological study to tackle the urgent housing issue. Statistics can not correctly explain homelessness since it is not uniform. This intricate predicament is the result of personal stories, institutional barriers, and numerous societal influences. Beyond economics, this tragedy has ramifications for mental health, prejudice, and the basis of civilization.
Homelessness and housing shortages in Halifax may be better understood through the lens of sociology. The complicated causes for this recurrent occurrence are uncovered in this thorough research that mixes functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactions. In order to address the urgent needs of those affected by homelessness and insufficient housing, we use sociological methods to uncover the underlying causes of these problems.
Identifying the Social Issue
In order to fully grasp the housing and homelessness crisis in Halifax, reliable sources are necessary. A large percentage of the population needs access to adequate housing, according to disturbing data. The Halifax Regional Municipality (“the Municipality”) in Nova Scotia, Canada, had a 445% surge in homelessness from January 2020 to January 2023 (Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, 2023). The rising tide of homeless people is more than just a trend in the statistics; it is a pressing societal problem that needs fixing. There are fundamental issues beyond economics that are shown by the growth in population. These numbers show that the issue is pervasive throughout the Municipality.
The complexities of homelessness go beyond statistics. There are personal stories, structural problems, and societal intersectionality. Homelessness has an impact on mental health, discrimination, and society, as well as the economy. Sociological techniques may be more nuanced in addressing these difficulties. The experiences of homeless individuals highlight the human side of this issue. It offers stories of perseverance, pain, and systemic neglect. Homelessness does not discriminate based on age, gender, or socioeconomic status, according to local media interviews. These tales serve as a reminder that behind every number is a person experiencing homelessness.
Systemic issues exacerbate homelessness. Homelessness is perpetuated by overt and systemic prejudice, especially among minority communities. The lack of affordable housing, along with discriminatory job and school regulations, creates a vicious cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to break (Findlay et al., 2020). Mental health is another crucial aspect of homelessness. Mental health individuals may feel alone and unsupported. As a result, homelessness is a sign of broader socioeconomic issues that need prompt attention.
Policies and institutions affect homelessness. Homelessness persists due to inadequate social safety nets, housing restrictions that fail vulnerable individuals, and financial inequality by economic systems. The social mechanisms that cause housing insecurity must be examined to comprehend this problem. The rising number of homeless people in Halifax requires a comprehensive societal response. Human tales, institutional prejudice, mental health difficulties, and complex cultural institutions cause this disaster. Understanding these interrelated parts is the only way to solve the big problems and create a more just and loving society.
Choosing a Sociological Lens
Human rights and analogies to similar situations are mentioned several times. The Municipality has explored short-term options, such as Halifax Mutual Aid (Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia 2023). It is important to remember that the right to shelter does not give someone carte blanche to violate the rights of others. Prioritizing the safety of all individuals and fighting invasion via the necessary enactment and enforcement of rules and regulations must be our top priority. Constructing disaster shelters, supplying food to neighbors, and assembling furnishings became risky, unlawful, and revolutionary from 2020 to 2023.
Conflict Theory, a powerful sociological viewpoint, assists us in examining Halifax’s complex homelessness and housing issues. Conflict theory, which investigates power dynamics and socioeconomic inequality, may provide light on these essential challenges. According to Conflict Theory, all social disputes are caused by imbalances in power and resources. We must look at the structural and institutionalized imbalances that cause and sustain homelessness and insufficient housing, aside from the more evident and immediate causes.
Political institutions affect housing policy, according to Conflict Theory. It is essential to look at the dynamics of power that were involved in developing and implementing these policies. Political institutions have the power to either uphold or undermine the systemic inequalities that cause homelessness. Hence, we must examine these problems in light of conflict theory. Culture and society are also included in Conflict Theory; for example, specific individuals may be marginalized and have fewer housing possibilities due to implicit or explicit prejudice. Conflict theory suggests looking at how cultural norms stigmatize homeless people, leading to systemic barriers that make it difficult for them to find a way out.
Conflict Theory is a sociological approach to analyzing society’s problems. Homelessness in Halifax is exacerbated by institutional inequality. This viewpoint aids in examining the existing quo and proposing dramatic changes.
Using a Sociological Lens
Conflict Theory sheds light on the underlying causes of homelessness and housing insecurity. This social problem is caused by economic and resource disparity. Institutional constraints limit affordable housing alternatives for disadvantaged populations in a cycle of disadvantage (Siregar, 2022). According to Conflict Theory, power battles lead to inequality because the powerful exploit the weak in order to preserve their position. The concept also offers a framework for investigating how institutions perpetuate injustices. Homelessness is encouraged by social values, economic systems, and governmental policies. Conflict Theory calls on us to critically evaluate these systems and push for revolutionary reforms that address the core causes of homelessness.
In Halifax’s homelessness and insufficient housing sociological study, Conflict Theory uncovers systemic disparities. This investigation shed light on the various social, political, and economic factors that contribute to the problem’s persistence. Sociology demonstrates how the big picture affects everything, not just individual incidents. We can eliminate structural barriers to housing security and put an end to homelessness and housing instability. We may build a more equitable and inclusive society by challenging unjust structures, questioning conventions, and striving for systemic social change, as advocated for by Conflict Theory. Using this sociological approach, we can pinpoint the problem and provide a blueprint for sustainable solutions to homelessness in Halifax.
References
Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia. 2023. “HRM Homelessness Statistics.”https://www.ahans.ca/hrm-homelessness-statistics.
Findlay, T., Saulnier, C., & Stratford, A. (2020). Are you with us?. COVID-19 confirms the need to transform Nova Scotia’s social safety net. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.https://policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/Nova%20Scotia%20Office/2020/05/Are%20you%20with%20us.pdf
Gilmour, A. J. (2023). Professional Undermining: Homelessness and Service as Method. https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/bitstream/handle/10222/82378/AndrewGilmour2023.pdf?sequence=3
Siregar, I. (2022). The Relationship between Conflict and Social Change in the Perspective of Expert Theory: A Literature Review. International Journal of Arts and Humanities Studies, 2(1), 09–16.https://al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/ijahs/article/download/2721/2366
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