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PURPOSE: The purpose of the course assignments is to further develop your
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the course assignments is to further develop your critical policy analysis and advocacy skills by engaging students in a series of professionally related research, experiential writing, community review, assessment and engagement assignments and building tools for social action and social change.
This CULMINATING WEBQUEST will require you to take concepts, ideas and learning from the course and apply your understanding to your specific social policy topic area, followed by a few short critical analysis questions.
The expectation is that you will complete each WebQuest after class each week. These should build upon one another and demonstrate your deepened theoretical understanding of your topic as the weeks progress. You will be required to demonstrate your work on week 3.
The purpose of the WebQuest is to demonstrate how you are taking up the knowledge from the course and developing your own social policy lens, perspectives and advocacy approach for the purpose of scaffolding your knowledge and building the research, knowledge and background to apply in your final Briefing Note assignment.
WEBQUEST INSTRUCTIONS
STEP ONE:
Students will CHOOSE their own specific SOCIAL POLICY TOPIC of advocacy interest to be the focus of BOTH their CULMINATING WEBQUEST (and the final BRIEFING NOTE).
The following is a list of social service sectors from which students may choose a policy topic. Please note, that this is not an exhaustive list of social service sectors, and you are free to choose beyond these sectors (but be sure to review your idea with your Instructor). It is also important to note that many of these social service sectors support diverse identities, populations and/or communities, as well as intersect in terms of their impacts, representations, recognition and outcomes. So, you are encouraged to choose a social service area of interest but be sure to drill down and offer an intersectional analysis into your specific policy topic.
Some social service sectors, with room to further explore a service/support programming area of focus within these broad sectors, include:
§ Housing/ Food security / Services for homeless and Street involved people
STEP TWO:
Students will then ANSWER each of the following weekly WEBQUEST
.
CULMINATING WEBQUEST ASSIGNMENT
WEEKLY QUESTIONS
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION & TOPIC CHOICE
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
(1) Which social service sector have you chosen to focus on? Please outline your chosen area of social policy advocacy interest.
Housing services for single low-income women class
RESPOND #1
1- First, I did mention an issue below clearly, but as per your instruction we could not pass the 250 words I did it in the point way which make more general:
As I mentioned two issues: 1-Women with low income on the high risk of being homelessness, 2- the inclusion housing policy requires changed and prioritize for low income single, and single mom women who are revenue per year from $8000 to $ 50000.
I think now with all inflations and stagging minimum wage should be up to $ 60000 per year income
we need to focus and solve as follow:
In order to preventing the crisis of homelessness, the solutions: National and co-op housing for the single women with low income.
How we can achieved: The policy for National and co-op have to be more inclusion and specific for low-income women as I mentioned above.
In addition, to achieve the goal, Government must commit and guarantee by funding. and Auditing.
Also, all levels of government must be comply with Section 2 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and be accountable for any violation and it requires to be mentioned in National / co-p housing policy. These changes need in policy otherwise it is not going to change any things.
You told us not more than 250 , I did not elaborated and tried to make shorter, however, all my point is clear
Footnote: – Ontario Human Rights Code: Section 2 of the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing based on grounds such as race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, and receipt of public assistance.
Women, girls, and gender diverse experiences homelessness intersectionality chosen area of social policy advocacy interest. The National Housing Strategy Act of 2019, violated by Canada’s neoliberal government, highlights the urgent need for policy change. Intensive federal funding for national housing is essential to prevent homelessness among women, girls, and gender diverse individuals, the most vulnerable populations. Also, programs to ensure that women and girls have access to safe and stable National housing options.
(2) Please offer 1 way that neoliberalism has/is impacting each of the following (within your chosen service area of interest): (make sure to indicate how/why)
Social Service Delivery & DesignInadequate Social Benefits:
Neoliberalism prioritizes market-driven efficiency in social services, neglecting comprehensive support.
This lack of support for individuals housing challenges Homelessness.
Currently.11 to 14 years on a waiting list for subsidizing housing
b. Funding of Services:
Neoliberalism policies leading the federal government less investment on national housing.
shifting towards market-based solutions and privatization.
reduced direct government funding for social housing programs.
C. Insiders/Frontline:
Insiders/frontline workers may face pressure to meet performance metrics,
potentially compromising the quality of care as they navigate resource constraints and increased workloads.
d. Service Users:
The trauma and harm related to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation affect the lives of women and girls who experience housing insecurity and homelessness.
Gender-based violence often creates a cycle of trauma that can lead to survivors seeking to escape abusive environments.
(3) What are 2 initial areas of concern within your chosen social service sector/social policy area that are not being addressed & require advocacy to challenge or change?
Low-income women urgently need stable and safe housing, based on the challenges due to high inflation, High rental price, stagnant wages, and cuts in social services lead them to high risk of homelessness, mental, emotional, and physical risk as well.
Respond #2
How can we succeed efficiently if we do not recognize the main barrier mentioned below, which is consistently overlooked? These issues include: federal government funding being allocated but remaining unused at the provincial level due to lack of prioritization; absence of due dates to finalize plans; lack of community involvement; inadequate accountability across all levels of government; and failure to comply with the Human Rights Act regarding housing.
These issues are interconnected like a chain. Without guaranteed funding and prioritization, support initiatives will not yield results. The lack of compliance and failure to adhere to human rights inclusion policies for low-income women further exacerbate the problem.
My contention is that a realistic plan cannot solely focus on two issues for implementing National housing and co-op housing plan. It will not effectively address the root causes of homelessness. It is essential to address the interconnected issues comprehensively to enact meaningful change.
Needed for housing regulations and Inclusion policy to prioritizing low-income women and set the time for implementing it (2-3 years), with guarantees for sustained support.
National and cooperative housing, involving the low-income and homeless women in decision-making.
All levels of the government must also be held legally accountable for violations of human rights legislation.
Respond #3
In class, it was mentioned that footnotes aren’t being marked. Therefore, regarding the footnote.
Secondly, I mentioned low-income single women/mothers several times in week 1 and clarified that these women have an income per year ranging from $8,000 to $5,000. Why is it necessary to include this information again in the footnote section?
Regarding housing, CMHC offers funding for its ‘low income’ affordable housing program, which ensures housing costs are less than 30% of household income before taxes. This term encompasses the private, public, and non-profit sectors, as well as various forms of housing tenure, including rental, ownership, and co-operative ownership, both temporary and permanent. Since 1946, CMHC has been a vital partner in helping Canadians access high-quality affordable housing. The federal government, through CMHC, invests $2 billion annually to ensure Canadians in need have access to suitable housing
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/industry-innova
CMHC has program called, Affordable housing fund, even for co-op housing.
I called CMHC to inquire about obtaining co-op housing private of public. They informed me that I need to have a stable job and good credit first. If approved by the bank, then they could assist me. Additionally, individuals with low income are required to pay at least 30% of their income.
Also, in co-op housing, everyone contributes to paying off the loan by dividing the costs among the residents. CMHC is one of the bank providing the loan through government funding .
Foot note: Women with low incomes are excluded from homeownership due to CMHC policies and limited credit access, often holding precarious jobs or relying on social services. Affording even a one-bedroom rental is challenging, making homeownership an elusive dream they cannot catch forever.
Remove CMHC’s restrictions specifically for low-income women set realistic credit assessment. establish specialized mortgage programs for low-income groups.
protect low-income homebuyers from the lowest interest rate fixing.
Prioritize access for single mothers and low-income women, addressing systemic barriers and promoting socio-economic equality is paramount and an objective reality of their struggles every day.
Barriers to accessing and lack of enough coop housing/ National housing for low-income women, including high fees and limited availability. housing, including high fees, strict eligibility criteria, and limited availability, hindering low-income women from benefiting from this housing option.
Implement and fund a national housing strategy and action plan based on the human right to prevent housing crises, particularly for women at the highest risk of homelessness.
Increase transfer payments to provinces for social housing and income support programs.
Raise minimum wages to ensure an annual income at least equal to the poverty line.
Reference:
https://courses.torontomu.ca/d2l/le/content/841134/viewContent/5494417/View
Homeless Hub: https://www.homelesshub.ca/
https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/right-home-report-consultation-human-rights-and-rental-housing-ontario/housing-human-right
WEEK 2: SOCIAL SERVICES & THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
What level(s)/orders of government are responsible for your social service sector? Who governs the policy, legislation/laws and/or funding?
The federal government and Provincial, Municipalities, shapes policy, legislation, and funding for national housing initiatives. Yet, provincial, and territorial governments also manage social services, housing policies/ funding independently.
Mortgage/Housing Corporation (CMHC); Low-income women struggle to afford homeownership due to CMHC policies and limited credit access, often relying on precarious jobs or social services.
Who would you be advocating in relation to recommendations in your sector/service?
Stakeholders include the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network (WNHHN), National Right to Housing Network
The Federal Housing Advocate, housed at the Canadian Human Rights Commission
The NRHN serves as a key facilitator and advocate for equity, rights-based analysis, engagement, and advocacy in housing.
What other social policy stakeholders are influencing, impacting, working and/or advocating within your social service sector, ex. Indigenous governance; NGOs, Tribunals, Ombudsman, civil rights groups, etc. (in relation to your chosen policy topic)?
Respond #4
I do not agree with you. I left it for the reader to figure out?
Nonprofit organizations have housing programs, however, currently I’m unsure which ones specifically. This will need to be determined later by contacting them. However, there is a possibility they may join us.
Nonprofit organizations focused on housing and homelessness.
civil society organizations, and housing and human rights experts
Municipalities and local governments supportive of affordable housing initiatives.
Progressive political parties and politicians (NDP)
Who are some of those stakeholders who you can leverage as allies in your advocacy efforts?
Respond #5
As per question who can be my allies? Unit nation as representation human right at international law, are very active about housing and the list I outlined are currently advocating for homelessness and I put link in the reference part. I believe that there is not confusion??
The international level, including through the United Nations
National Indigenous Feminist Housing Working Group.
Indigenous groups advocating for housing rights and sovereignty.
.
The Federal Housing Advocate, housed at the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Academics and researchers studying housing issues.
Who may be voices of resistance and create barriers?
The list below outlines my allies and advocacy, which I mistakenly included in this question instead of the intended one above.
The Homeless hub
Advocacy around ‘Idle No More’
Indigenous advocacy for recognition &
Reconciliation:
Respond#6
I reviewed articles of indigenous community who are actively advocate for housing and they are doing it with Indigenous advocacy for recognition and reconciliation, they are very outspoken regarding housing
Example:https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/understanding-indigenous-perspectives-homelessness-prevention
The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness
Human rights advocacy groups.
Community organizers and grassroots movements.
-Who may be voices of resistance and create barriers?
Respond#7
This major barrier and resistance stem from structural government and ideology: our government represents a capitalist system, with all policies formulated and established to protect the interests and benefits of monopolies and capital classes in the housing sector.
The following list highlights those who favor private housing and resist substantial improvements through housing regulation and policy changes, as well as increased funding for national and cooperative housing. This discourse is rooted in their neoliberal ideology.
Consequently, housing funds frequently dissipate, controlled by entities like CMHC, national and cooperative housing institutions, which are influenced by corruption and lobbyists and susceptible to being influenced by private market housing developers and real estate interests. Furthermore, our provincial and federal governments intentionally neglect their responsibilities in addressing this crisis, frequently resorting to blaming each other.
Let’s not sugarcoat the situation; all levels of government, regardless of political affiliation, along with private builders, are either disinterested or complicit in this matter, Also, directly or indirectly is resisting to the social housing, and regulations.
The federal government through agencies like the Canada Mortgage/Housing Corporation (CMHC)
provincial, and territorial government. Neoliberalism is paradigm of the Federal and provincial and municipality. They are more interested in private market housing than national housing.
Opposition from conservative political parties and politicians.
Resistance from real estate developers or industry lobbyists.
Bureaucratic inertia or resistance to change within government agencies.
NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) attitudes from communities opposing affordable housing developments.
Reference:
https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/commentary/canadian-women-among-poorest-poor
https://canadacommons.ca/artifacts/3342251/a-report-card-on-women-and-poverty/4141155/
com.ezproxy.lib.torontomu.ca/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9515.2008.00608.x
WEEK 3: SOCIAL INCLUSION & EXCLUSION
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
The following is an excerpt from Richmond & Saloojee’s (2006) Social Inclusion: Canadian Perspectives course reading. Looking at some of the concepts outlined in these papers, (and class slides and discussion) and drawing from the discussion regarding the contradiction between neo-liberalism and critical social policy articulated in this quote, answer the following questions:
Building upon you identification of the various stakeholders and advocates within your chosen social service sector/policy issue identified in:
Lack of government intervention
Insufficient funding for affordable housing initiatives
Inequities within existing housing programs
Addressing these challenges requires:
Comprehensive policy reforms
Increased investment in affordable housing solutions tailored to the needs of low-income women.
Q2: What may be the tensions between stakeholders?
The tensions rise from neoliberal policies favoring market interests over funding for national housing and social programs tailored to women’s needs.
Advocacy under the National Housing Strategy Act highlights violations by the Canadian government, urging intensive federal funding for preventing homelessness among single low-income women.
Foot note:
Allocation of Resources: Competing interests regarding where resources should be directed for housing initiatives.
Policy Priorities: Divergent views on the most effective policy approaches to address housing affordability and homelessness.
Access to Housing: Conflicts over rental rates, eviction policies, and housing quality standards between low-income women and property developers or landlords.
Stakeholder Representation: Marginalization or exclusion of certain stakeholders, such as community organizations representing low-income women, from decision-making processes.
Social Stigma: Tensions arising from societal attitudes and stereotypes about homelessness and poverty affecting interactions among stakeholders.
What are the tensions between stakeholders and your population?
Neoliberal policies create tensions by prioritizing market-driven solutions, causing a shortage of affordable housing for single low-income women.
Limited access to affordable housing.
Disagreements over resource allocation.
Differing policy priorities.
Marginalization in decision-making.
Social stigma and discrimination.
– Describe the ways in which your population may experience social exclusion in the sector/policy?
Limited access to affordable housing options due to financial constraints.
Discrimination based on gender, income level, or other social factors.
Lack of representation in decision-making processes related to housing policies.
Inadequate provision of support services tailored to their needs, such as childcare or mental health support.
Stigmatization and marginalization within communities or by housing providers.
Exclusion from homeownership opportunities due to financial barriers or systemic biases
(3) How may greater inclusion disrupt the way in which power is distributed?
Empowerment: Inclusion empowers single women with low income to participate in decision-making.
Reducing Disparities: Inclusion helps to reduce power imbalances between stakeholders and marginalized groups.
Policy Prioritization: Inclusion may prioritize housing initiatives for single women with low income.
Accountability: It ensures policymakers address the concerns of marginalized communities.
Community Engagement: Inclusion encourages active participation in housing initiatives, challenging existing power structures.
.
Reference:
https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/right-home-report-consultation-human-rights-and-rental-housing-ontario/systemic-and-societal-human-rights-issues-housing#fnB159
https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/international-womens-day?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcXLRxvU9-HYOrLqpjVUi6zSRJD2MDaXjfelKqMFDufLdnFc71r6GNMaAsFWEALw_wcB
_____________
WEEK 4: CLAIMS MAKING &
BUILDING COMMUNITY & SOCIAL CAPACITY
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
Referring to Lombe & Sherraden’s (2008) article and classroom lecture/discussion, consider the following questions:
(1) What ‘social capital’ may be leveraged by your sector to create change? i.e., what are their social resources that they may already be accessing to navigate systems?
Respond #8
This is not fair, as I struggled to adhere to the exact 250-words limit, and had to trim some of the explanations, Also in weeks 2- I explained Acronym WNHHN( Who would you be advocating in relation to recommendations in your sector/service?
Stakeholders include the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network (WNHHN), National Right to Housing Network) I explain the Acronym,
Advocacy Networks: NWHHN partners with advocacy groups, Engages with communities. Involves community in policy design to address actual needs.
Policy Advocacy, and Legal Framework: NHSA (National Housing Strategy Act (S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 313) is about the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right affirmed in international law
is National housing housing recognizes housing as a human right, empowering advocacy.
Community Networks: Women’s groups and grassroots movements offer support and connections for housing navigation.
Coalitions and Partnerships: Collaboration with nonprofits, government agencies, and community leaders strengthens advocacy.
Expertise Sharing: Involving researchers and professionals informs evidence-based solutions.
Media Engagement: Storytelling and social media raise awareness and gather public support.
Legal and Policy Advocacy: Utilizing legal resources and lobbying policymakers empowers women in asserting their housing rights.
What might be some of the limitations of measuring the level of inclusion by your sector? (Look at the list identified in Lombe & Sherraden).
Perception Variance: Social program perceptions vary based on eligibility and stigma.
Individualized approach: Neoliberalism prioritizes individual success over systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups like single women.
Market-driven metrics: Capitalist systems may overlook social aspects of inclusion within community networks for single women.
Power differentials: Neoliberal ideologies may minimize power imbalances within communities, affecting representation for single women.
Exclusion of non-market activities: Neoliberal perspectives might undervalue community-based initiatives, excluding their contributions to inclusion efforts for single women.
(2) How could those most impacted by your social issue be included in the decision making?
Community Engagement: Involving affected communities in planning like providing resources and support language interpretation, and childcare services.
Representation: Ensuring diverse decision-making.
Accessibility: Providing support for participation.
Empowerment: Strengthening community capacity, education, and advocacy to participate effectively in decision-making,
Transparency: Maintaining open communication. providing information and fostering open dialogue to build trust and accountability.
What may be reasons they would not be included?
Low-income and minority communities in urban planning face barriers like transport, childcare, and language services,
Lack of Representation: Marginalized communities may lack access to decision-making, engaging in policy changing in interest of single women low in come for housing.
Power Dynamics: Decision-makers may prioritize their interests over the community’s, hindering meaningful participation.
Limited Resources: Communities facing socio-economic challenges may lack the capacity to engage effectively.
-Why may they NOT WANT to participate in the decision making?
Reluctance due to distrust: Past marginalization creates distrust. Past experiences of marginalization or neglect by decision-makers may lead to distrust in the process.
Fear of repercussions: Fear of retaliation discourages speaking out.
Feeling of futility: Seeing processes as tokenistic leads to disillusionment.
Lack of awareness, Prioritization of immediate needs
Reference:
Lombe, M., & Sherraden, M. (2008). Inclusion in the Policy Process: An Agenda for Participation of the Marginalized. Journal of Policy Practice, 7(2–3), 199–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/15588740801938043
Coleman, J. S. (1988). Social Capital in the Creation of Human Capital. American Journal of Sociology, 94, S95–S120. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2780243
Goessling, K. P. (2017). Resisting and Reinforcing Neoliberalism: Youth Activist Organizations and Youth Participation in the Contemporary Canadian Context. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 24(3), 199–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/10749039.2017.1313278
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WEEK 5: USING INFORMATION
& EVIDENCE-BASED ARGUMENTS
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
Use information identified by Kevin Manual to find the information to ‘paint a picture’ of your sector.
Respond #9
Once again, due to the limitations of the format you instructed us to follow, I have provided explanations and included a link in the Reference section below.
All tables, charts, and statistics relevant to my points are located beneath this section in the references,
Income of men and women, sub-provincial regions, T1 Family File: Interactive tool (statcan.gc.ca)
Who is your population as determined by demographic/social factors? i.e., What is some of the evidence or data that helps define who and how your target population is being impacted?
Single women and single women mom with low income, facing challenges like limited access to housing and resources, based on the systemic barriers of socio-economic equality.
Income of men and women, sub-provincial regions, T1 Family File: Interactive tool (statcan.gc.ca)
Income of men and women, sub-provincial regions, T1 Family File: Female
before tax, all age $35K -$77k, male before tax all age $38k -$128k
Female lone-parent families are significantly poorer than all other household types in Canada. 21% of all single mothers are low income compared to just 5.5% of married couples. Women are also more likely to be poor, and generally earn less than men.
(2) How may you use statistical ‘evidence’ and information to advocate for the recommendations you are proposing?
This statistical evidence underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions to alleviate the economic challenges faced by single women and mothers, aiming to promote socio-economic equality and combat poverty. Statistics Canada data highlights a significant percentage of Canadian women classified as low-income, emphasizing prevalent economic challenges like income disparities and poverty rates. It’s a call to action for poverty and homelessness, urging the government to be accountable and implement solid solutions based on research and analysis. This evidence should compel the government to urgently address housing and economic struggles faced by low-income women and single mothers, enforcing substantial action to prevent and eliminate homelessness and poverty among this demographic.
Food Note: Single women and single mothers with low incomes face significant challenges, including limited access to housing and resources, due to systemic barriers rooted in socio-economic inequality. Statistics Canada’s 2022 report indicates that 10% of Canadian women are classified as low-income. Income disparities between men and women are evident, with women earning less across sub-provincial regions. In 2021, unattached individuals experienced a poverty rate of 21.9%, significantly higher than individuals in families. Lone-parent families, especially female-headed households, also faced elevated poverty rates. Female lone-parent families are notably poorer compared to other household types, with 21% of single mothers classified as low-income.
What may be the limits/drawbacks/pitfalls and/or some critiques of ‘demographic statistics or ‘evidence’ for your service sector/service and/or population?
Critique of Statistics for Low-Income Women’s Housing under Neoliberal Governments:
Under neoliberal governments, housing statistics often prioritize market-driven solutions, neglect structural inequalities, marginalize marginalized voices, lack transparency, overlook social welfare concerns, emphasize individual responsibility, lack long-term planning, and disregard intersectionality in addressing housing challenges.
Reference:
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1110013502
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2022017-eng.htm
https://theconversation.com/canadas-housing-crisis-reinforces-violence-against-poor-women-99504
https://www150.cc.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2023049-eng.htm
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2019006-eng.htm
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230502/dq230502a-eng.htm
https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/womens-poverty/
https://www.povertyinstitute.ca/poverty-canada
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/sc/podcasts/eh-sayers-s03-ep02
(250 WORDS MAX –total for all three answers.) WORD COUNT___244____________
RESEARCH LINKS: You must include at least 2 to 3 independent research links (academic, media, podcasts, TedTalks, fact sheets, reports, etc.) in addition to course readings/material to support your WebQuest research, understandings & analysis. List your links here:
(Please list all your references, including links, in APA 7)
WEEK 6: INTERSECTIONALITY & POLICY MAKING
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
Drawing from Cho, Crenshaw & McCall’s (2013) course reading (and incorporating class lectures and discussion) outline three engagements (lenses) for an intersectional framework; and indicate how intersectionality can assist in both understanding the policy issues/outcomes impacting you sector and advocate to challenge and change policy.
What are the intersecting and interlocking dynamics of your sector?
A low-income woman’s lived reality is shaped by the intersection of her gender and economic status, which can intertwine to restrict her access to affordable housing. Similarly, the convergence of race, gender, and economic status can exacerbate challenges, with women from racial minority groups encountering additional discrimination and systemic barriers in accessing resources and opportunities. These barriers increase the risk of homelessness, mental trauma, violence, and even loss of life.
It is crucial, understanding the intersection and interlocking dynamics of these identities is crucial for addressing the complex needs and challenges faced by low-income women.
How do systems intersect with identity factors for your sector?
Systems intersect with identity factors like gender, race, and family status for low-income women in housing, influencing their access to housing opportunities. Discriminatory practices in employment, housing markets, welfare policies, legal frameworks, and societal norms compound the challenges they face. Comprehensive policy interventions are needed to address these intersections and promote housing stability for marginalized women.
How may intersectional practice inform theory and intersectional theory inform practice, leading to best practices and community organizing in your sector?
Identifying and analyzing the intersecting forms of oppression faced by low-income women, including factors such as race, gender, class, and ability.
Recognizing unique challenges due to intersecting identities.
Developing inclusive theoretical frameworks., to better understand the systemic inequalities present in housing policies and practices.
Working with diverse perspectives and voices of low-income women into theoretical discussions and research, ensuring their experiences are accurately represented.
Using intersectional theory to critique existing housing policies and advocate for more inclusive and equitable approaches that address the specific needs of low-income women.
Reference:
Nevo, I., & Slonim-Nevo, V. (2011). The Myth of Evidence-Based Practice: Towards Evidence-Informed Practice. The British Journal of Social Work, 41(6), 1176–1197. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43771500
https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.lib.torontomu.ca/pdf/10428232/v17i0001/71_sas.xml
Lessa, I. (2002). Unravelling a relationship: Single motherhood and the practices of public housing, Affilia, Journal of Women and Social Work 17 (3), 314-331.
Graham, H. (2007). Health inequalities and inequities in H. Graham, Unequal Lives: Health and Socioeconomic Inequalities (Chap. 1). Maidenhead, Berks: McGraw-Hill Education-Open University Press. available online PDF [18p.] at: http://www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/openup/chapters/9780335213696.pdf.