Access to social support in homeless urban women and men in Tehran (Iran)

In this study, survey method was used with administrated questionnaire. Participants were recruited among the homeless people (men and women) who used t he municipal social services in shelters and social service centres in Tehran. The main variables in this study included frequency of contact, social support and gender. Findings The results have shown significant differences between homeless men and women in terms of frequency of contacts and rec eiving social supports. Homeless women contacted their network members more than homeless men and also received more support. It seems that some important reasons are concerned with women’s ability in social communication, providing further support to people and also traditional culture regarding women’s weakness and dependence so that women receive more support than men. The weakness of social support, especially in homeless men requires serious attention; however, homeless women are not also in a favourable situation. Originality/value The social networks of homeless people who usuall y live in the streets and public places without permanent shelter are weak due to various reasons, including poverty, addiction, immigration, and divorce. The weakness of social support leads to escalate the cycle of their vulnerabilities. Thus, it is necessary, in social policy and services, to rep air the social network of high risk people such as homeless people that would be helpful for rehabilitation process and harm reduction.
Source: Housing, Care and Support - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research