Media Stereotypes in Homelessness

  • Social Change

Media Stereotypes in Homelessness

This comprehensive analysis delves into how media often reinforces stereotypes about homelessness by focusing on individual behaviors rather than systemic causes. Key research by Barbara Schneider, Kerry Chamberlain, and Darrin Hodgetts highlights how these portrayals overlook the diversity within homeless populations, such as households led by single women, which are among the fastest-growing groups in shelters. This resource underscores the importance of media advocacy to shift narratives from focusing on individual stories to addressing broader systemic issues that cause homelessness. It calls for media to avoid using stereotypical imagery, such as photos of people sleeping on park benches, which can mislead public perception and policy. This analysis is discussed in detail in the blog post “Media Matters: Changing the Homelessness Narrative” on the Homelessness Hub.