Impact of Social Attitudes on Prosocial Behaviors towards Homelessness

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132

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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Sociology 132 Samiah Daniels Sigmon/Riley June 4th, 2023 “New Look Towards the Homeless” Research Question: How might social attitudes towards homelessness influence people’s prosocial behaviors? Thesis: Prosocial behaviors towards homelessness have been negatively impacted through social attitudes such as stereotyping, lack of empathy, and poor principles of humanization, all of which resulted in the unlikelihood of engaging in prosocial behaviors. Homelessness is a complex social issue that affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. People experience homelessness due to personal circumstances, including mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, etc. Then there are the economic issues that include layoffs, low wages, and unaffordable housing. And you can’t discuss homelessness impacted by African Americans without addressing the systemic racism that controls American society, from the continuous intergenerational poverty, housing discrimination, and the War on Drugs, which still have a major impact on homeless people today. However, while there are a variety of factors that may lead to homelessness, society has held onto blaming individuals for their housing circumstances, which leads to negative social attitudes toward the homeless. Homelessness is broadly recognized as a serious problem but is not always presented as a problem requiring societal action (Bogard 2003; Jencks 1994). People know that this is a crisis that takes place all over the world, but it is ignored. Why? These factors influence social attitudes towards the issue; Media Portrayals, Pre-existing biases, and lack of understanding. So often, the media constantly reinforces negative stereotypes of these individuals. Whether it is through television or newspapers, the media has fixed coverage in which they shine a light on policy

changes for political campaigns. Best (2010) examines how media coverage is not solely by the issues' inherent social significance but is also shaped by events such as political changes, economic crises, or natural disasters that influence the extent and tone of coverage regarding homelessness. The media does not fail to uphold the idea that these people are victims of their own choices if they are without a home long term. While the media presents homelessness in such a fashion, people begin to form the ideas that all homeless people are the same, “lazy, strung-out, and criminals”. Which leads to the refusal to understand the context behind homelessness. People who are not able to empathize with a homeless person often form ideas that they did not work hard enough and that they chose to be in the position that they are in. These misconceptions about the causes and circumstances of homelessness can lead to blaming the individual rather than recognizing the systemic factors involved, which is extremely problematic. The following portrayals and misconceptions make it extremely difficult for action to be taken upon society as a whole. Members of society soon began to adopt these two critical behaviors, which are poor principles of humanization and the bystander effect. The principles of humanization present values and practices that aim to recognize the worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic class, race, and gender. As this should be a common idea, it is not. People have developed poor principles, in which they will determine who and who is not deserving of respect. A study by Harris and Fiske explores how certain groups, such as homeless people, are likely to experience dehumanizing attitudes, stereotypes, and treatment from their peers. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of the dehumanization experienced by the lowest segments of society.

The next critical behavior is the rise of the bystander effect, in which an individual will see someone suffering in poor/ inhumane circumstances but not feel obligated to help. Being without a home has severe health consequences. Homeless individuals have a high risk of mortality, with a recent LA County Medical Examiner report finding an average age of death of 48 for women and 51 for men. (Khun et al 2020) They also have much higher risks of mental illness, substance abuse, infectious disease, chronic illness, violence, and reproductive health risks than the general population. (Khun et al 2020) While knowing all of these risk factors, the general population allows their negative stereotypes to overshadow the well-being of another human life. Prosocial behaviors, which illustrate acts of kindness, compassion, and assistance towards others, have the potential to alleviate the suffering and address the needs of homeless individuals. A study by Einoff (2008) suggests a positive association between empathic concern and prosocial behaviors, indicating that individuals who express greater empathy towards others are more inclined to engage in acts of kindness and support. It contributes to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive prosocial behavior and highlights the role of empathic concern in promoting positive social actions. It is also believed that once individuals start to get to know homeless individuals they shape a different and much more positive perspective towards them. While forming connections and being able to empathize it increases in the rise of prosocial behaviors towards these vulnerable citizens. Hocking and Lawrence (2000) performed a case study in which they had student participants perform prosocial acts and communication towards the homeless population to get them to shift their views. By splitting the 34 participants into two groups, both groups were equally likely to attribute homelessness to various external causes such as the economy,

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housing costs, and governmental policies. The results are interpreted as having policy implications for volunteer service. Hocking and Lawrence (2000). There are several ways in which members of society can start promoting empathy and support. The first step is shifting the way that homeless people are viewed through social influence. The power of social influence can alter the way individuals perceive their peers or a group of people. Once people see homeless individuals as deserving of respect and compassion then prosocial behaviors will come naturally and others would follow suit. The next step is realizing that permanent support for homelessness should be offered by organizations and communities. We can’t expect a life-changing moment through one interaction, or even policy change. For instance, Limbury and Shea (2015) held a case study in Canterbury, UK, that explores the dual approach of compassion and 'tough love' in providing care and support for the homeless population. The study focuses on the experiences of the organization 'Catching Lives' in Canterbury, UK, which works with homeless individuals to address their immediate needs while also encouraging personal responsibility and growth. Methods like these can go a long way because it does not only provide a helping hand but also encourage individuals to want better for themselves. While there are a significant number of individuals that successfully perform prosocial acts towards the homeless population, there are still attitudes that create the barrier to being helpful. This paper explored the factors that contribute to social attitudes towards homelessness, the impact of these attitudes on helping behavior, and potential strategies for promoting prosocial behavior towards homeless populations. Ultimately, once homeless individuals are seen as deserving of dignity and respect, individuals are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior, recognizing their shared humanity and offering assistance.

Overall, social attitudes towards homeless people significantly influence individuals' tendency to help or support them. Negative stereotypes, stigmatization, and lack of understanding can create barriers to assisting and can perpetuate cycles of homelessness. This research paper has explored the factors that shape social attitudes toward homelessness and has highlighted the impact of these attitudes on helping behavior. It has also discussed potential strategies to promote empathy and prosocial behavior towards homeless individuals, emphasizing the importance of education, awareness campaigns, and community integration. By addressing societal attitudes, it is possible to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for homeless populations.

Reference Page Einolf, Christopher J. 2008. “Empathic Concern and Prosocial Behaviors: A Test of Experimental Results Using Survey Data.” Social Science Research 37(4):1267–79. 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2007.06.003 Kuhn, R., Richards, J., Roth, S., & Clair, K. (2020). “Homelessness and Public Health in Los Angeles” UCLA: Campuswide Homelessness Initiative. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2gn3x56s Best, R. (2010). Situation or Social Problem: The Influence of Events on Media Coverage of Homelessness. Social Problems, 57(1), 74–91. https://doi.org/10.1525/sp.2010.57.1.74 Limebury, J Shea, S. “The role of compassion and ‘Tough Love’ in caring for and supporting the homeless: experiences from ‘Catching Lives’ Canterbury, UK”. J of Compassionate Health Care 2, 7 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40639-015-0016- Hocking, John E., and Samuel J. Lawrence. 2000. “Changing Attitudes Toward the Homeless: The Effects of Prosocial Communication With the Homeless.” Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless 9(2):91–110. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009466217604

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