Using Sociality to Manage Health Amongst Women Experiencing Homelessness
Abstract
This research combines non-participant observation, a focus group, and semi-structured interviews with both residents and staff at a shelter open to cisgender women, families, and trans and non-binary individuals. The shelter, Valdridge House, is in a medium-sized city in Southern Ontario. This research explores how women experiencing homelessness manage their health through sociality within the shelter space. Adapting to the perceived inaccessibility of the healthcare system, residents use sociality to narrate their mental health and trauma, placing blame on their environment rather than themselves for their situation. Here, they create support amongst residents without any perceived judgement.
Copyright (c) 2020 Kate Elliott
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