A synthesis of homelessness in South Africa: A rapid critical appraisal. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roets, Leon; Botha, Annali; Greeff, Minrie; Human, Sarie P.; Strydom, Herman; Watson, Martha J.; Chigeza, Shingairai
• Is Part Of: Development Southern Africa. Volume 33:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 613
• Page End: 627
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Conceptual framework -- defining -- homelessness -- rapid critical appraisal -- South African context; Economic development -- Africa, Southern -- Periodicals; Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.90096805
• DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2016.1203756
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-835X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Homelessness in South Africa requires collaborative research. Social, political, cultural and economic factors that cause homelessness must be considered to develop a common definition and understanding of homelessness. South Africa's social complexity and diversity make it challenging to construct available results into one conceptual framework, and this in turn complicates national policy implementation and role allocation. By means of a rapid critical appraisal of literature on homelessness in South Africa, researchers provide evidence to direct and structure contextual research pertaining to homelessness. Four themes transpire: conceptualisation; demography; roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders; and strategic policy and research issues. Researchers caution that the findings are not generalisable, because of the rapid nature of the appraisal and possible selection bias of the literature. Measures of validity were used to ensure that the study accomplished its purpose through the key results and to ensure that the results are a true reflection of available evidence.