Health inequalities and homelessness: considering material, spatial and relational dimensions

J Health Psychol. 2007 Sep;12(5):709-25. doi: 10.1177/1359105307080593.

Abstract

Homelessness is a pressing health concern involving material hardship, social marginalization and restrained relationships between homeless and housed people. This article links relational aspects of homelessness, and its health consequences, with material and spatial considerations through the use of photo-elicitation interviews with 12 rough sleepers in London. We highlight the relevance of embodied deprivation for a health psychology that is responsive to the ways in which social inequalities can get under the skin of homeless people and manifest as health disparities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / psychology*
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data
  • Interviews as Topic
  • London
  • Photography
  • Psychology, Social*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Isolation
  • Social Welfare
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spatial Behavior
  • Urban Health*
  • Vulnerable Populations / psychology*
  • Vulnerable Populations / statistics & numerical data