Homeism: Naming the Stigmatization and Discrimination of Persons Experiencing Homelessness

ABSTRACT

We examined stigmatization and discrimination experienced during the process of hospital discharge by people with lived experience of homelessness (PWLEs). We propose the term “homeism” as the discrimination (behaviour) towards an individual who is homeless; this form of discrimination is the result of negative stereotypes (stigmas) towards individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Based on a qualitative secondary data analysis of interviews with 20 shelter/housing and healthcare providers and 20 PWLEs, we identified four categories related to homeism: 1) who stigmatizes PWLEs and where stigmatization and discrimination occur, 2) reasons why PWLEs experience stigmatization and discrimination, 3) outcomes of stigmatization and discrimination, and 4) recommendations to reduce or eliminate stigma and discrimination. We propose a conceptual model that depicts the processes of homeism, including precursors, experiences, and outcomes. By naming homeism, we aim to instigate housing activism and future scholarship on this phenomenon to be pursued alongside interventions aimed at eliminating homeism.

KEYWORDS:

• Homelessness
• healthcare
• discrimination
• stigma
• hospital discharge

Acknowledgments

We respectfully acknowledge that this research was conducted on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish people, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəyəm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on which we are privileged to live, work, and play. We would like to acknowledge the time, interest, and insights given by each participant, and for allowing us to hear their stories.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research, Supporting Partnerships between Health and Homelessness, was made possible through the Metro Vancouver Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Entity. This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy. The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada. All errors and omissions are the sole responsibility of the authors.