Applying Conflict Theory to Homelessness Erin Van Brocklin

Applying Conflict Theory to Homelessness Erin Van. Brocklin

Dorothy Day Shelter Emergency women and children shelter only The average stay is about 1 -2 months The families have their own familial rooms unlike shelters like Salvation Army and the Rescue Mission. Their beds are guaranteed until they find housing or unless they do not come back for curfew. During the daytime, women are expected to look for housing or jobs Curfew

The Social Problem of Homelessness In 2016, 549, 928 people have been homeless for at least one night in the United States (HUD Exchange) Homelessness is due to the unequal allocation of economic resources -Income -Access to education -Access to housing -Access to adequate jobs Homelessness is also due to a lack of support systems and vulnerability.

Karl Marx’s Conflict Theory Capitalism causes the unequal allocation of resources among members of society. The division between the bourgeois and the proletariat Capitalism forces individuals to be constantly concerned with economic success in order to survive. The proletariat do not realize that they are being oppressed by their employers. Causes people to work long hours at low paying jobs just for survival Low income= being less likely to have access to resources and to support systems

Application to Dorothy Day House The women in Dorothy Day House are often victims of domestic abuse, financial crisis, trauma, or a lack of familial support systems. Lack of resources is caused by unequal allocation of resources of the ruling class. Oppression of homeless and poverty stigmas = less access to resources (created by the ruling class) Domestic violence example