The attitude towards homelessness in public space: theoretical aspects of a sociological study

The number of homeless people is increasing in many countries in recent years. The homelessness is recognized as a global social problem, but some of its facets have been studied inappropriately, in particular, the link between the growth of homelessness in the developed countries of the world and the privatization of public space conducted by the urban government and local business community. This paper deals with the examination of the above-mentioned problem. The author analyzed the results of the sociological study of public spaces available for homeless people and preferred by them, the attitude of homeless people to these spaces, the policies pursued by the urban authorities in relation to the stay of homeless people in public space. The author drew the following conclusions. The desire to limit homelessness in public areas is a part of the overall change in the public space management taking place in the interests of business and government rather than society. The harassment and stigma of homelessness indicate that the use of public space in private interests is condemned if lower social classes are involved. Representations about the relationship of homeless people with the criminal world are largely unreasonable. Their wide dissemination protects public opinion from the critical reaction to crimes committed against homeless people.