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Social exclusion and self-esteem: The impact of the identity – bureaucracy nexus on employed people experiencing homelessness in Calgary, Canada

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2020

Marion E. Jones ,
Micheal L. Shier  and
John R. Graham
Marion E. Jones*
Affiliation:
Department of Economics, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
Micheal L. Shier
Affiliation:
School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
John R. Graham
Affiliation:
Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
*
*Corresponding author. Email: marion.jones@uregina.ca
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Abstract

This article argues that homelessness in Calgary, Canada is entrenched, in part, due to a systemic cycle of exclusion and defensive tactics carried out by those who are homeless and employed. A major proportion of this systemic exclusion occurs via a number of societal institutions: the provincial welfare structure in place to assist those in need; the provincial registry system for identification and licensing; the banking system, employment service providers; and the civil society organizations that provide shelter. Through one-to-one interviews with employed people experiencing homelessness in Calgary (n = 61) we found four identifiers that contribute to maintaining the adverse situation facing those who find themselves homeless: security of, and access to, replacement identification; access to banking; access to a mailing address; and accessibility to stable, permanent employment. Without access to these elements re-establishing social inclusion and navigating the transition to stable housing and non-vulnerable employment is far more difficult.

Keywords

employed homelesssystemic exclusionbureaucratic structural rigiditiesidentificationsecurity of identificationbanking
Type
Research Notes
Information
Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy , Volume 29 , Issue 2 , June 2013 , pp. 134 - 142
Copyright
Copyright © 2013 Taylor & Francis

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