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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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BROWN, GLENN R. 1998 - AN EXAMINATION OF HOMELESS MEN, LABOR POOLS, AND THE UNIVERSITY WEST COMMUNITY
Abstract: This thesis examines the issues and problems that exist for homeless men in the University West Area community of Hillsborough County, Florida, a neighborhood where over one quarter of the available housing is vacant (U.S. Census Bureau, 1990). Considerable resources have been committed to the development of this area by the county, the state, and a Federal Weed and Seed grant, yet the homeless population has either been overlooked or neglected. This study was designed around four primary concerns, (1) to identify the homeless population; (2) to understand their relationship with the community; (3) to examine their means of subsistence in this area; and (4) to examine how labor pools are used as a "link" to "regular" work. The ethnographic techniques of participant observation and interview were used to answer research questions in regard to concerns (1), (2), (3), and (4). These questions were, (a) to what extent is the stereotype of "bum" valid or invalid; (b) to what extent is this population attached to this community; © to what extent do they choose this lifestyle; (d) what is the relationship of day labor agencies to this population and the community. By examining the complex problems and relationships, this thesis attempts to give a voice to a particularly powerless and neglected segment in a developing community. This study could serve as a reference and initial guide in the planning of services in the University West Area community, by interested actors such as the Homeless Coalition and the USF Community Initiative.
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