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57.21305 Homelessness and Women: The Impact of Motherhood
This 9-page undergraduate paper examines the assertion that ?women are at a greater risk than men of becoming homeless because of their role as mothers?. This essay concludes that women face homelessness for reasons which are specifically gendered. From the very examination of the word ?homeless?, one can see that women define the term differently than men. For women, homelessness means more a lack of security and safety than lack of physical dwelling. It is clear that more research must be done of the prevalence of women experiencing homelessness, especially since so many women are part of the ?hidden homeless? and since many women who are homeless are also responsible for children. Indeed, it is women?s role as mothers which contribute to instances of women?s homelessness. Children are a responsibility which requires additional resources and money. For women who are already struggling economically, care for a child may render them homeless. Further, women are often left by partners with the children but with no financial support, making them vulnerable to homelessness. At the same time, the presence of children may discourage many women from seeking help at shelters. Women may find that they fear their children will be taken from them. Some women may fear that shelters provide a poor environment for their children, and may seek to stay with friends instead. Women may also find that concern for children makes them leave shelters or homes which are unsafe or abusive, thus depriving them of a home. Women?s role as mothers may make them more vulnerable to homelessness by eroding their resources and making them more cautious about their places of habitation. However, no studies have been done suggesting the ways that children can help their mothers, by providing them with emotional support or for reasons to keep attempting to find help. It is clear from current research that shelters and solutions for homelessness must include a more thorough consideration of women. If women were provided with a child-friendly alternative to homelessness, it is likely that they would be more likely to seek and accept aid.
