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POLICY REVIEW

(p.9). Thus, the actual numbers problems and individual factors this typology is based on studies
could be much higher than those that are two important factors of homelessness conducted in
reported in the Census. Often that lead to homelessness; urban areas. Wardhaugh (2012)
being homeless lacks other basic “The former include lack of prepared a typology of rural
human rights such as work, affordable housing, changes homelessness in India.
health care, social security, in the industrial economy Robertson and Cousineau
privacy, education and many leading to unemployment, (1986) cited factors such
more. inadequate income supports, as deindustrialization,
the deinstitutionalization of unemployment, welfare cuts,
FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO patients with mental health limited low-income housing,
de-
poverty,
increasing
problems, and erosion of family
HOMELESSNESS and social support. The second institutionalization, family
Poverty and landlessness one includes physical or mental disorganization, and increasing
are the prime causes of rural illness, disability, substance domestic violence as the main
homelessness and rural abuse, domestic violence and job reasons for this epidemic
and urban homelessness loss” (p.44). situation. Research shows that
are intimately connected Bannerjee Das (2001) offers a those at risk of homelessness
(Wardhaugh, 2012). Typically, useful typology of homelessness, typically face multiple
rural poverty may cause the adapting Western categories difficulties, which may increase
male members of households to the Indian context such as the likelihood of a young person
to migrate to urban areas in Destitutes ; Migrants; Pavement prematurely leaving home and
search of work (Dupont et al., dwellers; Inmates of institutions; subsequently experiencing
2000). Mustaquim and Ismail Occupants of emergency camps; homelessness (Echenberg &
(2013) noted that structural and Street children. However, Jensen, 2009).

Type of Homelessness Location Causes
Displaced persons Relief camps Natural disasters; communal riots;
infrastructure development; political
conflict
Migrants Various, both rural and urban Rural poverty and landlessness leads to
urban migration; seasonal migration to
and from cities to villages
Inmates of institutions Institutions, such as beggars’ Physical disability or diseases;
settlements or homes, or leprosy destitution
colonies
Homeless while living with another Accommodation with another Destitution.
household household, usually insecure and
overcrowded
Slum and squatter residents Slum and squatter settlements (usually Poverty and landlessness; migration
small and relatively hidden) from other areas
Itinerant groups No fixed location Religious mendicants; gypsy groups;
itinerant tribal groups
Source: ‘Rural homelessness in India’ (2012), Susan J. Smith (ed), International Encyclopaedia of Housing and Home

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