Media Portrayal of Homelessness: Stereotypes and Realities

In an era where media is an integral part of our daily lives, its influence on shaping public perceptions cannot be underestimated. One pressing issue that has been subject to media portrayal is homelessness, a complex societal problem often reduced to oversimplified stereotypes by various forms of media. The contrast between these stereotypes and the harsh realities of homelessness highlights the need for more accurate and compassionate representations.

Stereotypes: The Oversimplification of a Complex Issue

Media, in its quest for compelling narratives, has often resorted to oversimplifying homelessness through stereotypes that fail to capture the multifaceted nature of the problem. One common stereotype is the portrayal of homeless individuals as lazy and unmotivated, perpetuating the idea that they are solely responsible for their situation. Such depictions ignore the structural factors that contribute to homelessness, such as job loss, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing. In fact, approximately 40 per cent of Canadians believe that most homeless people want to live on the street and in shelters, and almost 30 per cent of Canadians believe that a good work ethic is all you need to escape homelessness. [Salvation Army, “Canada Speaks” Exposing Persistent Myths About the 150,000 Canadians Living on the Streets, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2011).] Furthermore, the media often perpetuates the image of the "chronic homeless" – those who have been living on the streets for years – while neglecting to shed light on the larger population of hidden homeless, including families living in shelters, cars, or temporarily with friends and relatives. [O’ SULLIVAN, E. Responding to homelessness. In Reimagining Homelessness: A Blueprint for Policy and Practice (1st ed., pp. 21–48). (2020). Bristol University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv10rrcfk.5] This skewed representation distorts the true scale and diversity of homelessness, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding from the general public.

Media's Role in Shaping Attitudes

Media has the power to shape public attitudes and policy decisions, making it crucial to present accurate and compassionate portrayals of homelessness. [priming; Iyengar and Kinder 2010] When media perpetuates stereotypes, it can foster stigma, discrimination, and even policies that hinder progress in addressing homelessness. For instance, negative portrayals can obstruct efforts to establish shelters and supportive housing in communities that need them the most. [MAO, Y., CALDER, M.J., RICHTER, S., & BURNS, K.K., Framing homelessness for the Canadian public: the news media and homelessness, Canadian Journal of Urban Research (2011).]

On the flip side, responsible media representation can drive positive change. When stories of homelessness are presented with depth and empathy, they have the potential to humanise the issue and prompt viewers to take action. Documentaries, news features, and personal narratives can shed light on the underlying causes of homelessness and the challenges faced by those experiencing it, dispelling myths and inspiring advocacy. [The Street Spirit, How Homelessness Is Distorted In The Media (2015).]

According to an article published in the Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, stories about homelessness placed a statistically higher emphasis on “individual deficits and deviance” than on structural issues. This partly explains why so many Canadians wrongly believe that most people experiencing homelessness are struggling due to their shortcomings. Most article samples heavily downplayed the structural and societal shortfalls that contribute to homelessness. More than 70% of quotes in articles were derived from sources who were not experiencing homelessness. This effectively removes the homeless persons’ voice from their narrative and allows other “experts” to paint an often-incomplete portrait instead of an actual, real-life account. Due largely to being written out of their own narrative, unhoused Canadians are excluded from the solution process and the political arena. Their lives are left to the domiciled people armed with a slew of misinformation. Their misguided opinions are what eventually become the official policies. Hence, the vicious cycle continues on repeat. [SCHNEIDER, B., CHAMBERLAIN, K., & HODGETTS, D., Representation of Homelessness in Four Canadian Newspapers: Regulation, Control and Social Order, The Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 37, 4, (2010).]

Toward Responsible Representation

To create a more responsible media portrayal of homelessness, several steps can be taken. First, media professionals must strive for accuracy and depth in their reporting, highlighting the root causes of homelessness and the challenges faced by those experiencing it. Second, collaboration with experts and organisations working on homelessness can provide valuable insights and ensure that stories are presented in a sensitive and informed manner. Finally, media consumers also have a role to play. Critical thinking and media literacy can empower individuals to discern between accurate depictions and sensationalised stereotypes. By demanding responsible reporting and supporting media outlets that prioritise balanced coverage, viewers can contribute to a more informed and compassionate public discourse on homelessness.

References

MAO, Y., CALDER, M.J., RICHTER, S., & BURNS, K.KFraming homelessness for the Canadian public: the news media and homelessness, Canadian Journal of Urban Research (2011).

O’ SULLIVAN, E. Responding to homelessness. In Reimagining Homelessness: A Blueprint for Policy and Practice (1st ed., pp. 21–48). (2020). Bristol University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv10rrcfk.5

priming; Iyengar and Kinder 2010

Salvation Army, “Canada Speaks” Exposing Persistent Myths About the 150,000 Canadians Living on the Streets, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (2011).

SCHNEIDER, B., CHAMBERLAIN, K., & HODGETTS, D., Representation of Homelessness in Four Canadian Newspapers: Regulation, Control and Social Order, The Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 37, 4, (2010).

The Street Spirit, How Homelessness Is Distorted In The Media (2015).