The homelessness problem: planning, phenomenology, and gender perspectives

Abstract

The thesis considers the problem of homelessness from planning and gender perspective, with the purpose of applying or using a theoretical approach, which will lead to an understanding of, and practical solutions to the problem in South African cities and which will have international applicability. The study notes that women constitute a population at risk. \Vomen are becoming more vulnerable to street homelessness because of the increasing rate of urbanization, population growth, poverty, unemployment and changing family structure (female-headed households, single mothers, divorcees and widows). The study states that past approaches in solving the homelessness problem have been fragmentary, uncoordinated and there has been no definitive institutional intervention. It points out the absence of a clear government policy, lack of clear planning responses/models/approaches and the lack of involvement of the street homeless women themselves in addressing the homelessness problem. The study investigates the various principles pertaining to the homelessness problem internationally. It gives definitional as well as gender approaches to home and homelessness. It shows that women constitute part of the new and hidden homeless population. The study considers past planning approaches/traditions which might have had relevance in understanding and resolving the homelessness problem. It also considers philosophical approaches which might also have relevance in which context phenomenology is identified as a philosophy that offers an appropriate methodological base. This has been adapted for the purpose of planning. It is an interpretive approach and it is more people-centred than the past planning approaches. A survey was conducted in the Johannesburg inner city which is rapidly becoming the locale of the street homeless people. The survey procedure adopted in this study is in three parts: 1. Reconnaissance survey; 2. Qualitative survey; 3. Quali-quantitative survey. The reconnaissance survey identifies shelter types and abodes of the street homeless. It enumerates the number of street homeless people. This is to determine the numerical and spatial extent of the phenomenon. The survey indicates that the street homeless abodes are disorganised and overcrowded. The abode types are usually in the form of open halls, open spaces, shacks (Mekhukhu) built with cardboard boxes and pavements or road kerbs turned into dwelling places. The abodes lack water, electricity and toilets. Contrary to the above, the shelters provided by institutions for the street homeless are more organised and have the essential or basic facilities. With regard to the qualitative survey, a focus group discussion and participant observation method were used in obtaining information from women. This survey conforms to the phenomenological methodology adopted in the study. The original and lifeworld experiences of the street homeless women were obtained and interpreted. They do not have a fixed schedule, they live each day as it comes. They spend the day talking, gossiping, singing, washing, sometimes doing cultural activities, begging, cooking and soliciting for male clients. The quali-quantitative survey, through questionnaires, elicited information on the socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of the street homeless people. That includes their age, education, marital status, occupation, ethnicity, nationality among others. 78 per cent are black (Africans), 14 per cent are coloured, 2 per cent are Indian and 6 per cent are white. Out of these, 36 per cent are women. About 17 per cent of these women have no education and 67 per cent are single. Among the single women, 60 per cent are single mothers (with·their children living with them) and 40 per cent have no children. The survey reveals that the first three priorities of the street homeless women are employment, education and housing. It also indicates the main causes of street homelessness as unemployment and poverty, the consequences of which were manifest in crime, muggings, rape, harassment, diseases such as tuberculosis, dysentery and diarrhoea, dermal infections, pneumonia and sexually transmitted diseases. The study estimates that about 20 per cent (one fifth) of the street homeless population between 19 - 29 years in Johannesburg could be HIV/ Aids positive.