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Perceptions, Persecution and Pity: The Limitations of Interventions for Homelessness in Developing Countries

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  • SUZANNE SPEAK
  • GRAHAM TIPPLE

Abstract

Interventions for homelessness in developing countries are frequently negative and unhelpful. They tend to exist in an environment of hostility, suspicion and apathy towards homeless people. This environment is cultivated and enhanced by negative and derogatory language and images used by politicians, the public and the media in their portrayal of homeless people as unemployed, beggars, drunks and criminals. Findings from a recently completed study of homelessness in nine developing countries suggest that this perception is largely false. This article argues that, until the popular misconception of homeless people is corrected, even the most well‐intentioned interventions will have little long‐term effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Suzanne Speak & Graham Tipple, 2006. "Perceptions, Persecution and Pity: The Limitations of Interventions for Homelessness in Developing Countries," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 172-188, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:30:y:2006:i:1:p:172-188
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2427.2006.00641.x
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    1. Barbara Harriss-White, "undated". "A Note On Destitution," QEH Working Papers qehwps86, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford.
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    Cited by:

    1. Heather Xiaoquan Zhang & Jimmy McWhinney, 2012. "Working with the homeless: The case of a non-profit organisation in Shanghai," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 27(4), pages 373-387, June.
    2. Syed Masud Ahmed & Qazi Shafayetul Islam & Shamim Hossain & Md. Kamruzzaman & Antora Mahmud Khan, 2011. "Lives and Livelihoods on the Streets of Dhaka City: Findings from a Population-based Exploratory Survey," Working Papers id:4310, eSocialSciences.

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