A lot of people ask me what word to use when addressing “people without a home.”
Here are my thoughts…
Language doesn’t matter as much as we want it to.
The goal of changing the language of stigmatized groups is to reduce stigma.
That is a worthy goal. I can get behind that.
Unfortunately, reducing stigma is a LOT harder than simply swapping out words. (Stigma has a nasty habit of hopping from one word to its replacement.)
A few years ago, people-first language (“individuals experiencing homelessness”) was all the rage.
Unfortunately, there is evidence that people-first language actually INCREASES stigma.
Gernsbacher, Morton Ann, Editorial Perspective: The use of person-first language in scholarly writing may accentuate stigma, The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58:7 (2017), pp 859-861
Now “unhoused” is in vogue.
Ironically, “unhoused” is actually an elitist term as it implies that the middle-class suburban single-family house is the goal. It dismisses apartments, SRO’s, shared living environments and other alternative housing arrangements as unworthy of being a “home.”
Part of what got us into this housing crisis is our bias towards middle-class norms being codified into law through zoning ordinances.
Worrying about language is a privilege
I’ve never met anyone who slept under a bridge or ate out of a dumpster who cared about the language of homelessness.
From my experience, homeless folks care about practical things like safe shelter, reliable food, medical care, and being treated like a human being.
It is only those of us with a full belly and a warm bed that have the luxury of quibbling about words.
It is worth noting that Maslow didn’t include “proper language” anywhere on his famous hierarchy of human needs.
I try to let the people who are doing the suffering set the agenda.
Language policing does real damage
One publication declared “If you use the word ‘homeless’ you are part of the problem.”
Stuff like that makes my blood boil!!!
When we shame well-meaning people, we ensure that they avoid talking about the issue ever again.
If we are going to end homelessness, we need to recruit these people to the cause, not chase them away.
So, what word should you use?
Honestly, I don’t care much.
“Homeless” is fine with me.
So is “unhoused.”
Ditto to “individuals experiencing homelessness.”
Whatever word you use, I would ask the following things of you:
- When you are face to face with someone who is “unhoused,” treat them like a human being.
- Vote for candidates who are pursing policies that help end “homelessness.”
- Recruit other people to help “individuals experiencing homelessness” regardless of what word they use.
Have a fantastic week!
Peace,
Ryan
p.s. This essay was prompted by a question I am going to be asked during a live “virtual book club” interview with the American Library Association. It is on November 20 at 1pm central. You can register for free here: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ycHnffN7QNuOsIB10FuuJA#/registration
