Understanding homelessness and migratory behaviour: a case study of adult homelessness in Durban South Beach area, South Africa.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Homelessness often carries negative connotations globally mainly because people do not
have accurate knowledge of the phenomenon. A holistic understanding of homelessness in a
country is important for government policies aimed at improving the living standards of all its
citizens. This research sought to explore and understand homelessness in the Durban South
Beach area. The researcher aimed at establishing factors that lead people to homelessness, the
reasons why homeless people chose to settle in Durban and their life experiences as the
homeless.
The study draws on qualitative data. The sample consisted of fifteen participants staying at a
shelter for homeless people in Durban South Beach. Semi-structured interviews were used to
collect information on their perspectives and experiences of homelessness.
The majority of the study participants became homeless following loss of employment.
Family problems as well as communal factors like gang violence were also cited as
contributing factors to homelessness. Participants cited health considerations, convenient
access to utilities, safety and affordability among other reasons for settling at the shelter. The
study recommends that interventions aimed at eliminating social problems like gangs, better
access to education and skills development, and greater investment in rural areas to curb
rural-urban migration is designed in order to reduce vulnerability to homelessness.
Description
Master of Arts in Population Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College 2015.
Keywords
Homelessness--Anthropological aspects--South Africa--Durban., Older homeless persons--South Africa--Durban., Emigration and immigration--Government policy., Migration, Internal--South Africa--Durban., Theses--Population studies.