Homelessness in Europe and the United States: A Comparison of Prevalence and Public Opinion |
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| Authors: | Paul A Toro Carolyn J Tompsett Sylvie Lombardo Pierre Philippot Hilde Nachtergael Benoit Galand Natascha Schlienz Nadine Stammel Yanélia Yabar Marc Blume Linda MacKay Kate Harvey |
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| Institution: | Wayne State University; Oakland University; Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium; Free University of Berlin; University of Canterbury, New Zealand; Bern, Switzerland; University of Glasgow; University College London |
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| Abstract: | Random samples of 250–435 adults were interviewed by telephone in five different nations ( N = 1,546): Belgium, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the United States. The interview included questions on respondent attitudes, knowledge, and opinions regarding homelessness; respondents' own personal experiences with homelessness and homeless people; and demographic characteristics of the respondents. The highest rates for lifetime literal homelessness were found in the UK (7.7%) and United States (6.2%), with the lowest rate in Germany (2.4%), and intermediate rates in Italy (4.0%) and Belgium (3.4%). Less compassionate attitudes toward the homeless were also found on many dimensions in the United States and the UK. Possible explanations of these findings, drawn from various theoretical perspectives, and policy implications are provided . |
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