The Homeless Perception, Research Paper Example

Today, homelessness is frequently equated with criminality such that many others refuse to enter areas that are known to have a homeless population.  However, it has been shown that the homeless are more likely to be victims of crime than criminals themselves, one of the biggest problems these individuals have due to living in an unprotected environment.  However, despite this reality the negative perceptions of homeless people persists. Research indicates that negative perceptions of the homeless are strongly correlated with how media portray the homeless on T.V., in movies and over the internet.  The purpose of this study was to further examine characteristics of the homeless and attitudes and beliefs others hold about homelessness.  It was predicted that research in the area would demonstrate that the characteristics that lead to homelessness were not always the results of a criminal history.  It was also predicted that research would show that demographics and media exposure would be associated with perceptions of homeless in individuals who were not homeless.   Results indicated that many people opposed homeless facilities being erected in the area in which they lived because they believed that homeless individuals regularly commit violent crimes and this would endanger their families.  Research on characteristics of the homeless show that the duration of homelessness for many individuals is 30 days after which they are able to obtain housing or move in with others. Other characteristics of the homeless reported from investigations show that homeless individuals are more likely to be the victims of crime than non- homeless individuals with homeless women suffering from more violent crime than homeless men.  Findings also indicate that the more common reason for homelessness in women is domestic violence.  Finally, research also indicates that negative portrayals of the homeless by the media and use of derogatory terminology for the homeless on the internet is associated with the formation of negative perceptions of the homeless.  In conclusion, it is clear that misperceptions and negative beliefs about the homeless influence how the homeless are treated by those who are not homeless.  Increased efforts should be made to correct these negative opinions through direct efforts as well as to help prevent the formation of these perceptions by halting negative portrayals of and language about the homeless on television, in movies and on the internet.