Homelessness Essay

1519 Words4 Pages

Introduction
People experiencing homelessness face violations of a wide range of human rights. The injustice in society can mean that they are subjected to discrimination and disadvantages in the form of financial and social as a result of their living situation. This report demonstrates the ways in which social injustice impacts on the life of the homeless population in the areas of criminal justice, education, socioeconomic status and health. In order to address this inequality, it needs to be recognised that Homelessness is not a choice but rather the result of disadvantage in the community, and one of the most important markers of social exclusion. Strategies must be put into place to ultimately reduce social inequality and increase opportunities for employment, economic participation, education and social inclusion.
Criminal justice
Upon becoming homeless, people are more visible to law enforcement agencies and as a result the likelihood of them facing issues of crime and fines is increased. Their chaotic lives and lack of a permanent address can result in difficulties complying with social security requirements and therefore make them more vulnerable to crime. As addressed by the Australian Institute of Criminology, the situations in which homeless people are placed could have a great impact on how they deal with criminal offences. For example, appearing in court and paying fines, this would result in further criminal issues (Australian Institute of Criminology, 2008a). Between 1999 and 2006, over 20,000 police detainees were surveyed as part of the Australian Institute of Criminology's Drug Use Monitoring in Australia program. The results gathered demonstrated vast differences between homeless and non-homeless people. O...

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... the homeless population and the general public are evident when looking into the fields of criminal justice, education, socioeconomic status and health. The concepts of structural inequality, lottery of birth and life chances distinctly impacts on the opportunities homeless people have to acquire a sufficient standard of living. In order to address homelessness, it needs to be recognised that homelessness impacts on a person’s ability to enjoy basic rights. This directly relates the way that our society perceives and treats homeless people. In order to assist homeless people to better their living and health situation policies must provide flexibility, understanding and support to take account of their life situation. In conclusion, it is important that the injustice in society is addressed to reduce and expel all disadvantages that the homeless population face.

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