The structural nature of family homelessness: a critical analysis of the intersection of unaffordable housing, housing insecurity, non-livable wages, and eviction

Family homelessness is a pervasive and persistent problem in the United States. The complexity of family homelessness and interrelated structural issues combine to negatively impact the quality of life and upward mobility of those experiencing homelessness. This conceptual article proposes a critical analysis of factors contributing to family homelessness to illustrate how multiple forces act in concert to perpetuate the issue. Most current interventions to ameliorate family homelessness in the United States are uninformed by critical theory and do not address the root causes of the issue and therefore have proven to be only marginally effective. The authors assert that social work practices that are critical theory informed and empowerment based will lead to effective interventions with families experiencing homelessness.