Working with Homeless Populations to Increase Access to Services: A Social Service Providers' Perspective Through the Lens of Stereotyping and Stigma. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weng, Suzie S.; Clark, Paul G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of progressive human services. Volume 29:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Biases -- critical practice perspective -- oppression -- victim blaming; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Radicalism -- United States -- Periodicals; 361.97305
• DOI: 10.1080/10428232.2018.1394784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-8232

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Through the lens of stereotyping and stigma, this article examines discrimination and prejudice toward homeless families from the perspective of social service providers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with practitioners. A critical social work practice perspective is used to provide a framework for understanding how social worker knowledge about discrimination and prejudice informs the ways in which the workers engage with clients, build capacities, and advocate for clients in an anti-oppressive manner. The themes found in this study include: a) providers' awareness of bias, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; b) providers' use of a range of strategies to work with people experiencing homelessness; c) providers' ideas about strategies that organizations can implement for service provision; and) providers' belief that additional advocacy and policy are needed in relationship to people experiencing homelessness.