A Strengths Perspective: An Ethnographic Study of Homeless Women with Children

Abstract

Homeless women with children have been one of the fastest growing homeless subpopulations during the past decade. However, research in this area has paid scant attention to the needs of these homeless families. The ethnographic study of homeless women with children described in this article captures the prevailing strengths of this population. The women's strengths were identified in seeking housing, caring for children, and remaining connected to social contacts to keep their families together. The authors suggest that ethnography provides guideposts for social workers as they search for practice models.

Perceived strengths of urban girls and boys experiencing homelessness

“…This may in part be due to the mothers emphasizing positive qualities that these children brought to social interactions, both in terms of general dispositional traits as well as specific helpful behaviours. These findings, consistent with the previous qualitative research, suggest that children adjust to the circumstances of homelessness and actively engage in positive ways with persons in their environment (Thrasher & Mowbray, 1995).…”

“…These 'character' strengths included: the extent to which they were 'outgoing', 'active' and 'helpful'. Additionally two studies indicate that homeless mothers place a high priority on finding coping resources for their children, which may enable their children to develop or maintain positive behaviours and personality characteristics in the face of challenging circumstances (Banyard & Graham-Bermann, 1995;Thrasher & Mowbray, 1995). Thus, the literature to date indicates that homeless children have both identifiable strengths, and while being at high risk for mental health problems, their mothers frequently report a desire to help buffer and protect their children's development-in part building on the children's strengths.…”

A Process and Outcome Evaluation of a Shelter for Homeless Young Women

“…Participant observation is a method most often used by researchers completing ethnographies (Lofland, 1995) and has been used in other studies with homeless populations (Rosenthal, 1991;Thrasher & Mowbray, 1995). The first author spent time "hanging out" at the shelter at breakfast, dinner time, and during the evenings.…”

Prenatal Maternal Stress and Physical Abuse among Homeless Women and Infant Health Outcomes in the United States

“…The scientific literature shows a consistent association between homelessness and stressful life events, especially among women [1][2][3][4]. The lower socioeconomic status experienced by many homeless women has been shown to be a major determinant of stressful life events [5].…”