The Structuring of Invisibility Among the Hidden Homeless: The Politics of Space, Stigma, and Identity Construction

Abstract

This ethnographic portrayal relies on participant observations at two supplemental support programs for youth without homes, narratives collected through in-depth interviews with educators and case managers, and focus group interviews with youth participants to explore the discursive (re)production of invisibility among youth without homes. Structuration theory is used to frame macro and micro forces coalescing to enable and constrain processes of invisibility among the hidden homeless. Analysis reveals how invisibility shapes (and is shaped by) processes of stigmatization, “street smarts” as enacted by youth, and “Mayberry” and “not in my backyard” community discourses, and how the disappearance of youth without homes simultaneously serves and undermines various stakeholders.

Keywords:

• Structuration
• Homelessness
• Invisibility
• Space
• Marginalization

We are grateful to Joann Keyton for her expert guidance and attention to detail through the editorial process and anonymous reviewers for their supportive reflections. We also appreciate the thoughtful reflections of Roger Aden, Bill Rawlins, Greg Shepherd, and Raymie McKerrow in fine-tuning these arguments.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynn M. Harter

Lynn M. Harter is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University

Charlene Berquist

Charlene Berquist is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Missouri State University

B. Scott Titsworth

B. Scott Titsworth is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University

David Novak

David Novak is a doctoral student in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University

Tod Brokaw

Tod Brokaw is a doctoral student in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University