Mapping the social relations of violence and homelessness in the everyday lives of women: An institutional ethnography
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Date
2013-04
Authors
Boudreau, Michelle
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
Intimate partner violence against women is still a common occurrence and it leads
to women being vulnerable to experiencing homelessness. This study mapped the social
relations organizing women’s everyday experiences with homelessness after leaving an
abusive relationship.
Institutional ethnography directed this research. Data collection consisted of three
components. The first component was five face-to-face unstructured, interactive
interviews with women who left an abusive relationship and experienced homelessness.
The second component was 13 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with service
providers from organizations the women indicated they utilized. This component
explicated how the service providers organized the women’s everyday experiences with
securing housing. The third and final component was a textual analysis of the policies
and programs from the organizations identified by the women.
Results identified the ruling relations that coordinated the women’s homelessness.
The interviews indicated that money was the main organizing factor in coordinating their
homelessness. The other coordinating factor was limited amounts of affordable, adequate
housing. Findings suggest many organizations are coordinating the homelessness
experienced by women leaving abusive relationships. Lines of fault were discovered
between the women’s everyday experiences and the organizations and service providers
in place to address homelessness. These lines of faults are maintained through ruling
relations which prevent women from participating in the development of policies and
programs they will be utilizing.The consequences of homelessness have serious implications for both women and
society. Changes that are implemented must focus on long-term change and be inclusive
of the individuals experiencing homelessness. Recommendations from this study are
directed at government, service providers, and society in general. The results will inform
policy and program changes within government and non-government organizations that
support women leaving abusive relationships.
Description
Keywords
Intimate partner violence , Homelessness -- women