Pathways approaches to homelessness research

Research on homelessness has focused on either structural forces or individual actions or, where both are considered, has failed to find an effective way of analysing the two sets of factors together. This article looks at one way of doing this through the adoption of a ‘pathways’ framework. The article reviews existing pathways research on homelessness and argues that existing studies do not analyse the interaction of structural and action elements. A stronger theoretical framework is outlined and emphasis placed on the discourses which shape the nature of services for homeless people and the actions of both staff and homeless people themselves. Understanding of the interaction between these two groups is vital if the nature of homelessness is to be comprehended. A research method is needed which focuses on homelessness discourses and their restructuring and shaping through interaction in order that the aim of a holistic analysis can be achieved.