How do "Victims" Become "Criminals?" Examining the Power of Language in Criminalizing Homelessness (thesis)

Abstract

In this paper, I begin by outlining various definitions of poverty and homelessness and my reasons for using Amartya Sen's capability-based approach. Then, I transition into my theoretical framework and discuss how deviance is socially constructed, how language affects perception, and consequently how language affects our policy. Based on this framework, I argue that the language we use helps justify stripping people experiencing homelessness of human rights and dignity. I use historical and contemporary examples and statistics to highlight the relationship between language and homelessness. To conclude, I offer some capability-based solutions to homelessness that do not rely on criminalization, but that rather prioritize compassion and autonomy. [From Introduction]