The right to exist: homelessness and the paradox of leisure

ABSTRACT

This essay explores one man’s life as a person experiencing homelessness and the societal impositions (stigma) and barriers (criminal ordinances) that shape his sense of self and perceived ability to transcend homelessness. The focus is on trying to understand what leisure is – or if it can even exist – for someone experiencing homelessness. As will be demonstrated, much of the societally available resources are lacking (shelters, legal help, access to water and hygiene needs) for those who need them; yet still others are wary of using anything in the ‘system’ because it saps whatever sense of agency they may have left. Still others prefer to stay on the periphery of society and focus solely on their daily survival. As public space is contested and evermore privatized, how do those without spaces of their own fight for their right to exist?

KEYWORDS:

• Homelessness
• leisure
• stigma
• public space
• criminalization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. A pseudonym.

2. A pseudonym.

3. A pseudonym.

4. See: Hays, S. (1994). Structure and agency and the sticky problem of culture. Sociological Theory, 12(1), 57–72.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Justin Harmon

Justin Harmon, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Community and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. His research includes exploring the use of music for life course development, recreation interventions post-diagnosis of cancer (nature immersion and music making), and community development through leisure. When not in the classroom he is typically found in the forest with his dog or at a concert.