The complex nature of homelessness in the United States will serve as the subject for this assignment, and you will examine homelessness as a social problem in the United States, examine homelessness in a group that experiences homelessness at a higher rate than the overall population, and as a master status for homeless individuals.
First, choose one of the following groups that experience homelessness at a higher rate than the general population in the U.S.
- Homeless veterans
- LGBTQ youth
- Latino Americas
- Native American
- African Americans
In a 5-6 paragraph (2-3 page) essay, examine homelessness in the United States as a social problem with multiple contributing factors. Make sure to pay particular attention to issues of social stratification, social categories, power, norms, and values. Address the following:
- Examine the factors that can lead to homelessness in general (1 paragraph)
- Analyze how these and other social/cultural issues impact homelessness as experienced by the group you have selected above (1-2 paragraphs)
- Examine how homelessness can be seen as a master status that is the result of different ascribed and attained statuses. Make sure you discuss how homelessness is looked at within American culture with regards to norms and values. (1 paragraph)
In addition, make sure that you have an introduction with a thesis statement, and a conclusion that sums up your paper and your main points. View the Basic Essay Structure resource for guidance.
You will be required to use at least four sources for this assignment: the two required sources below (one aligned to your topic, the other required for everyone), your text, and at least one additional scholarly source from the library.
LGBTQ Youth
Voices of Youth Count (2021). Missed opportunities: LGBTQ youth homelessness in America.Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. https://voicesofyouthcount.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/VoYC-LGBTQ-Brief-Chapin-Hall-2018.pdf