By Aranesh Pahwa, Bismanbir Singh, and Kwina Patel

It is not about only people without a roof; it is a community issue rooted in many aspects. This study focuses on the newspaper articles of 1999-2023 in the US and Canada to analyze why striving to reduce the number of homeless people remains unsuccessful. Evidently, some groups such as youth and people from a plurality of backgrounds are usually neglected in the times when homelessness is being deliberated on. These articles gave us common areas to connect on, like for example, concluding that money difficulties or housing problems are the major causes of homelessness. Adoption of a research component has been employed by us as a means of changing how people perceive homelessness and to inspire actions which may bring positive impacts.

The study looks at the conversation that is going around causes and solutions to examine the homelessness among different groups of people. One remarkable pattern which arises from the issue of how homelessness is still escalating even with the many homelessness programs being in existence in the United States and Canada, this includes the articles published between 1999 and 2023. In fact, as most of the directives were oriented towards the men and women, only a few of them discussed in detail the problems that youth, teens of color and people from the 2LGBTQIA+ community do have as well.

It targets a wide range of issues that plague the homeless community; therefore, it requires unique approaches, which articulates the complexity factors of homelessness. Considering the thematic perspective of the articles that attracts public attention every year was that some topics are discussed in repeating fashion, which is mostly because of the same issues that also keeps re- emerging in the society. On the other hand, the search for various solutions related to choosing and possible reactions addressed the homeless issues that continued to be a problem. Moreover, the survey revealed a strong reliance on traditional explanations to mention such as economic factors and housing affordability, among other indicators that have significantly given a source of life to homelessness according to the research. It is obvious here that the historical reasons behind homelessness will be applied in the development of such explanations.

The research work aims at broadening the discussion through different lenses and using all necessary approaches to offer well-constructed methods of fighting homelessness in multiple societies. Furthermore, the data from research works taken from the articles written under the challenge and stigma cues is giving point of view and ideas about homeless people’s thoughts. Nevertheless, a variety of stigma factors such as stereotypes or victim-blaming have been considered as very important stressed hints, in addition to community support getting identified as a vital fact.

In the day-to-day activities of the interaction between ordinary people and the homeless, there are a plenty of things that have already been learned about each of the problems and why they are stigmatic. Understanding and trying to delve into the sources of homelessness is the first step we take towards to the elimination of stigma, the development of greater sympathy and the radically new approach to the problem of homelessness.

Homelessness goes far beyond people with no homes; entire communities are affected. While the articles we researched had lots of instances of housing issues and poverty being the main reasons for homelessness, there were also other contributing factors such as drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems. Collaboration of non-profits, watchdog groups and media outlets among others is necessary to tackle homelessness in a more efficient manner.

We aspire to prove the public’s notion of homelessness and motivate by our warm research actions toward homeless aid. We can achieve harmony together, find viable solutions, and ensure safety for all members of our community. The media and the community should form a strong coalition to bring about genuine changes in this respect and to assist homeless people. Awareness and understanding will lead us to support policies more and sustainable reporting. Effective use of our research study is the key to changing the perspective towards homeless people and devising efficient support to homeless individuals and communities.

Research Report

Homelessness is still a significant problem in northern America, and people hoped to bring it to an end in 2016, but it’s growing with increase in challenges and stigma or negative representation (N.A., 2016). In Canada and USA, media plays a significant role in shaping public opinions and how people address a specific problem like homelessness. This research examines how homelessness have been examined over the years in 15 different news media from 1999 to 2023 and what specific category of audience they target, with a focus on discussion of homelessness topics, how different causes are framed, and how challenges and stigma cues are presented in those articles. In the 15 articles, the findings saw those different causes, access to resources and the solutions are mostly the homelessness topics talked about and challenge cues like community aid outweighs the stigma cues of perceptions in the media with a hint to remove any disgrace of homelessness issues. This study shows how different theories hold theoretical significance, with the help of theories like Attribution theory, Agenda-setting, Framing, and Stigma communication theory. Moreover, this research will be helpful for economists, journalists, government bodies and non-profit organisation to raise awareness and counter the issue of homelessness.

Literature Review

The housing crisis got a boost in Canada and USA after the COVID-19 lockdown as researchers saw a rapid increase in homelessness which researchers blame the government because of the generic solutions that they have provided in the socio-economic policies (Forchuk Et al., 2023) (Buccieri et al., 2023). Homelessness have impacted the lives of individuals as they cannot have quality of life, a stable shelter to live and cannot focus on activities like education, sports etc. Research shows that how stigma and attribution theories help in understanding how the homeless people are treated based on factors like racism (Indigenous people) and sex (men, women, and LGBTQ+) (Markowitz & Syverson, 2019). Stigma is expression of prejudice, stereotypes, and ways through which people are mistreated because they belong to a specific category in society. There are discrimination, prejudice, judgment, and stigma that are the key components of the problem. They often make people who use drugs isolated from others around them (Canada, 2021). In addition, due to the fact that people who experience homelessness are especially vulnerable to serious mental disorders and substance use, wider public ignorance of such problems reinforces the stigma (Markowitz & Syverson, 2019).

Mass media plays a significant role in providing the public with information and raise their concerns for that matter. Media exposure and usage have a significant impact on how opinions are shaped, attitudes are changed, and behaviours are observed among the users (Liao, & Chi-Horng, 2023). Media coverage in the Canadian newspaper has implications for the citizenship and inclusion of people who are homeless. They find it difficult to affect the ongoing public narrative about them (Schneider et. al., 2010). For example, the homeless people were depicted in two types, first who did not choose to be in this situation and actually need help and second who made bad choices by their own will and are responsible for their circumstances.

This research used attribution, agenda-setting, framing and stigma communication theories which will be helpful in understanding how people perception are made and how it triggers the societal stigma. Firstly, attribution theory will be a systematic explanation of how people draw inferences about the character of others based on observed behaviour (Griffin et al., 2019). Agenda-setting theory means that the media agenda shapes the public agenda over the time and how crucial role in shaping public opinion on the topic of homelessness (Griffin et al., 2019). Thirdly, framing theory explains homelessness from a variety of perspectives, and which may lead to implications for multiple values or considerations (Chong et. al., 2007). This process can also be defined as by which people have a recreation of idea about what they think about homelessness or an issue (Chong et. al., 2007). The cause framing inform audience about the economic factors, affordability of the houses and limitation of support services. Stigmatizing communication protects the categories, their boundaries opening, enforcing avoidance, and the feelings of threat while challenge communication encourages the change of the prejudice and stereotypes in the society through the process of time (Smith, 2007). As Goffman explained stigma as label associated disgrace which can even lead to social exclusion.

In conclusion, the housing crisis in Canada and USA, that is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrates the mutually reinforcing relationship between homelessness, societal stigma, and the media that influences people’s views greatly. Moreover, society intricacy is combined by distinguishable regulations and social tendencies such as racism or discrimination toward minority groups. The theories such as attribution, agenda setting, frames, and stigma communication are the viable tools to understand and cope with the problems. This leads to the research question: How does the way Canadian mass media outlets frame homelessness influence the general public opinions and policies, or whether this is done through blaming or proposing solutions, with the effect of stigma and discrimination on others?

Method

Nine of the very famous regular newspapers, press, and magazines in the United States and Canada were picked for this study (The Canadian press, Canada newswire, MENA, NASDAQ OMX’S news, PR newswire, Dow Jones, Clinical trials week, Law now, and Canadian dimension). The keywords were taken on the basis of research done with the keywords divided into different categories. 1) general terms related with homelessness representation, 2) the causes of homelessness and 3) prevention policies. A search was done from 1999 to 2023 with around 450 articles coming up and retaining only 15 which were focused on homelessness and its causes and solutions. The articles excluded were mostly those including other topics which were not related to homelessness, for example article with homelessness and mental health. All the resources were available publicly as the database domain was public, and the research was free of any issues or did not demand any research review.

Each article in the study was coded under different demographic details (article ID, publication date, population category and specific magazine, newspaper, or article), homelessness topics (probable cause, access to resources, providing solutions, effects on emotional well-being, drugs, and other substance), cause framing (economic factors, affordability of the houses, and support services). Challenge and stigma cues were coded on the basis of smith’s theoretical framework. Challenges included adaptability, community aid, campaigning activities and stigma cues included racial injustice, perceptions, blaming the victims, and labelling. Three coders coded all the 15 articles in the sample to make sure intercoder reliability is there.

Results

The study at first examined how homelessness was represented among different populations of men, women, and youth, focusing on topics, cause framing and challenge and stigma cues. Out of the chosen 15 articles 53.33% talked about men and women, 13.33% talked about women, 26.67% talked about youth and 20% talked about indigenous people and 2LGBTQIA+ individuals. Probable cause, access to resources and providing solutions (26.67% each) were the most covered topics in the articles. The research showed that every article talked about economic factor being a cause of homelessness (100%), 73.33% (11) articles talked about the affordability of houses as a cause and 33.33% of the articles talked about the lack of support service as a cause. Challenge cues (73.33%) were more commonly talked than stigma cues (60%), particularly community aid were more common among the general public of men, women and youth and were ignored when talking about other categories.

Discussion

The articles talked about men and women as a whole, whereas some articles talked about how indigenous and 2LGBTQIA+ individuals are represented and talked about. Regarding the topics access to resources and solutions, these were the topics repeated mostly over the years (Mancini et. al., 2021). Although almost every article had references to the causes in the cause framing category. While examining the challenge and stigma cues in all the magazines, community aid and perceptions were the most significant cues.

Limitations

The study’s focus on the old causes that have been talked over the years and didn’t talk about the emerging causes or the new economic problems that is rising in the North American continent. The study also needs research on drugs as a cause as only one article talked about it. Moreover, none of the articles talked about a solution that actually worked in reducing homelessness. However, despite the fact that 3 coders coded the articles there. Might be a chance that variations may occur in the result which may cause a break in flow of the analysis. The study shows a relationship between media representation of homelessness and the stigma communication strategy which does not form causality of how people think about the problem. The split of population was not that helpful as only 3 articles talked about how discriminatory individuals are represented while representing homelessness. These limitations can be again researched with a methodological assessment that could have more validity, clarity, and reliability in future research with these limitations.

Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusion

This study on the portrayal of homelessness in North American media from the years between 1999 and 2023 provides different views and outcomes for both theoretical as well as practical applications. Through reviewing 15 media coverage stories, my study conducts a thorough investigation of different ways homeless people are portrayed, bringing to the fore economic factors, role of community efforts, and ongoing hurdles to overcome stigma. This empirical work enhances the intellectual depth of the attribution theory, agenda-setting, framing, and stigma- communication theories by the provision of evidence on how the concepts are applied in mass media on homelessness. It illustrates that media can either continue the discrimination or support a society of understanding that lessens a negative perception toward the homeless population, depending on how issues are presented and what aspects they emphasize.

On a practical level, this will provide essential direction for the news media industry, policymakers, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups. Such a study of homeless media is a reminder of the need for balanced reporting among the media which would concentrate on systemic causes and solutions to homelessness rather than focusing narrowly on individual responsibility. It implies the necessity of stories that sympathize and praise efforts of the organizations and communities that work in reducing homelessness. This can be an encouraging call-to-action for individuals inclined to start affecting the community. Policymakers and non- profit organizations, to some extent, should focus on the socioeconomic factors and the availability of resources because these lead the homelessness to origin passively.

The last thing that should be mentioned about this paper is that apart from contributing to the growing body of knowledge on portrayals of social issues, it gives some valuable recommendations for people who work to overcome the problem of homelessness. Transforming the storyline into a more empathetic and comprehensive reflection of homeless people’s problems media, politicians and advocates can possess powerful agency towards the solution of this problem. Indeed, the science implies a team work to break down the stigma of homeless and to find permanent solutions on the root causes of homelessness.

References

Canada, H. (2021, July 9). Stigma: Why Words Matter. Www.canada.ca.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/stigma-whywords- matter-fact-sheet.html

Chong, D., & Druckman, J. N. (2007). Framing theory. Annual Review of Political Science, 10(1), 103–126. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.10.072805.103054

Definitions of Homelessness. (2023, February). Soarworks.samhsa.gov.

https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/article/definitions-ofhomelessness

Feldman, L. (2004). Citizens without shelter: Homelessness, democracy, and political exclusion. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

Griffin, E. A., Ledbetter, A., & Sparks, G. G. (2019). A First Look at Communication theory (10th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education.

Liao, C.-H. (2023). Exploring the Influence of Public Perception of Mass Media Usage and Attitudes towards Mass Media News on Altruistic Behavior. Behavioral Sciences, 13(8), NA.

Mancini, N., Campbell, R., Yaphe, H., Tibebu, T., Grewal, E., Saunders-Smith, T., McBrien, K. & Campbell, D. (2021). Identifying Challenges and Solutions to Providing Diabetes Care for Those Experiencing Homelessness. International Journal on Homelessness, 2(1), 1–

19. https://doi.org/10.5206/ijoh.2022.1.13643

Markowitz, F. E., & Syverson, J. (2021). Race, Gender, and Homelessness Stigma: Effects of Perceived Blameworthiness and Dangerousness. Deviant Behavior, 42(7), 919–931. https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2019.1706140

Schneider, B., Chamberlain, K., & Hodgetts, D. (2010). Representations of homelessness in four Canadian newspapers: Regulation, control, and social order. J. Soc. & Soc. Welfare, 37, 147.

Smith, A. B. (2007). Understanding stigma communication: A theoretical framework and agenda for research. Journal of Communication, 57(3), 337-355.

State of Homelessness in Canada report: Additional $1 a week per Canadian could end homelessness. (2016, Oct 20). Canada NewsWire

https://proxy.library.brocku.ca/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/wirefeeds/state- homelessness-canada-report-additional-1/docview/1830349355/se-2

Appendix 1

Definitions

Homelessness– A person who does not have any permanent address, that means, he or she has no fixed place to stay is considered homeless or vagrant. Judging from the fact that a person who is transient has no house nor he is an institution’s resident, he may also be neither a family member nor one of the inhabitants (Definitions of Homelessness, 2023).

Stigma is expression of prejudice, stereotypes, and ways through which people are mistreated because they belong to a specific category in society. There are discrimination, prejudice, judgment, and stigma that are the key components of the problem. They often make people who use drugs isolated from others around them (Canada, 2021).

Attribution theory will be a systematic explanation of how people draw inferences about the character of others based on observed behaviour (Griffin et al., 2019).

Agenda-setting theory means that the media agenda shapes the public agenda over the time and how crucial role in shaping public opinion on the topic of homelessness (Griffin et al., 2019).

Framing theory – Framing theory explains homelessness from a variety of perspectives, and which may lead to implications for multiple values or considerations (Chong et. al., 2007).

Stigma communication – Stigmatizing communication protects the categories, their boundaries opening, enforcing avoidance, and the feelings of threat while challenge communication encourages the change of the prejudice and stereotypes in the society through the process of time (Smith, 2007).

Appendix 2

Code Definitions and Categories
		Description
1. Demographic Details	A. Article ID	The ID for each article
	B. Publication Date	The specific date when the article was published
	Category (type of magazine- like men or women, children, etc.)	Describes the category, the newspaper or magazine article chosen are from which type of magazine or paper. Example- Women, children, youth, etc.
	Specific Mag (article newspaper or book name)	Providing the specific name of the article from magazine and newspaper.
Variable Category Description
2. Homelessness Topics
	A. Probable cause	The probable cause of homelessness or the homelessness programs not working is mentioned or not in the article.
	B. Access to resources	The articles whether mention about how numerable support services is made available to the homeless or not.
	C. Providing solutions	It is when there are direct solutions or strategies provided.
	D. Effects on emotional well- being	Mentioning if it affects the mental health the homeless people and how.
	E. Drugs and other form	The “coping mechanism” which is used by the homeless which includes drugs or other forms of substances mentioned in the article.
	F. Others	Any other causes which do not falls as a subcategory of above options.
3. Cause Framing
	A. Economic Factors	The homelessness is consequence of economic difficulties sustaining in the country.
	B. Affordability of the houses	It is the affordability of the housing available in the country.
	C. Minimalization of support services	It is the lowering or eliminating the homeless people’s service of assistance.
	D. Others	Any other causes which do not falls as a subcategory of above options.
4. Challenge and Stigma Cues	Challenge Cues
	A. Adaptability	The willingness of homeless people to adjust their circumstances.
	B. Community aid	The support the homeless people get from the local communities around them.
	C. Campaigning activities	The measures to highlight or enhance consciousness regarding the rights of the homeless.
	D. Others	Any other causes which do not falls as a subcategory of above options.
	Stigma Cues
	E. Racial prejudice	Prejudice toward homeless people based on ethnicity.
	F. Perceptions	The positive or negative perspectives of the members of society for the homeless people.
	G. Blaming the victims	Laying the liability of their current situation on homeless people.
	H. Using labelling	Criticizing the homeless people with designations or titles.
	I. Others	Any other causes which do not falls as a subcategory of above options.