Drake and Murphy (2022) suggest in Section 2 of Chapter 6 that homelessness can be seen as a signifier of disorder. In your own words, write out briefly what they mean by this.

Why is it so difficult to define homelessness? Jot down a few reasons in your own words.

Have a go at defining the concept of homelessness. In your definition, note down what kinds of criteria you might include for identifying someone as homeless. Would people who are only homeless for a short duration count? Would those who are sleeping on a friend’s sofa for an indeterminate time count? Try to be as precise as you can in your definition.

Homelessness can be blamed on individuals or inequalities. Compare and contrast these two views of homelessness

n Section 5 of Chapter 6, Drake and Murphy discuss homelessness researchers Bramley and Fitzpatrick’s (2018) findings. Bramley and Fitzpatrick found that there were certain variables, such as childhood poverty; teenage experiences; and adult, family and life events; that potentially increased this risk of homelessness. Jot down, in a few words, what you think these findings suggest for policymakers.

discuss the notion that personal choices or behaviours lead to homelessness.