PS282 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Social Constructionism, Social Disorganization Theory, Community Psychology
Document Summary
Community psychology focuses on the community contexts of behaviour and ways to prevent problems rather than treat them after they arise. The single most important factor contributing to homelessness is a lack of affordable housing. Best predictor of the extent of homelessness in a community is the ratio of available, affordable housing units to the number of persons and families seeking them. Core values: individual and family wellness, sense of community, respect for human diversity, social justice, empowerment and citizen participation, collaboration and community strengths, and empirical grounding. The problem with our culture is that bc problems are so easily located in the individuals (people responsible for themselves) we blame people for their issues (western bias) Focused on how homeless persons are different from those with housing. Listing factors such as substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence as the main causes of homelessness.
