Theories explaining homelessness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Theories explaining homelessness - Essay Example In this paper the issue of homelessness will be discussed thoroughly by having a look at national homelessness factsheets with an emphasis on sociological theories to help understand the reasons of this social problem. Homelessness is a condition caused by numerous factors that affect people of various demographics in the United States. Among the most affected groups are African-American and White people, especially single men and children aged between 5 to18 years are seriously affected by this condition. Also, there are groups of people who are victims of domestic violence such as women who leave their homes to get rid of violence. Among the homeless people, there are mentally ill individuals and drug addicts as well, who do not have accommodation facilities. The main reason of homelessness is poverty and unemployment, offering people little opportunities to earn and pay for their housing facilities. However, there are other reasons as well such as domestic violence, mental illness, drug addiction, lack of affordable residence and little public assistance. According to a study, 10% of homeless people are suffering from mental disorders (Drake, Osher & Wallach, 1991). There is need to take certai n steps, for instance, controlling mental illnesses and addiction, poverty and unemployment and violence by providing healthcare, psychological and financial assistance to people in need in order to deal with this issue. Classical sociological theorists Emile Durkheim and Max Weber had given their views on society and its issues decades ago in the form of grand sociological theories. Durkheim gave a concept of anomie, a state of being normal in a society that could be applied to the social problem of homelessness that America is facing today. According to him social problems enter in a society when it lacks moral unity and norms and values are unable to create