E NG 1 5 0 3
A S S I G N ME N T 2 - R e s e a r c h - ba s e d e s s a y
U ni qu e n um be r : 2 8 5 8 6 4
Student number: 23197048
Te x t B :
This essay investigates the origins and consequences of juvenile
homelessness, using literature to show its varied nature as a major
societal issue. The epidemic of HIV/AIDS, unstable economies, and
family disputes all contribute to homelessness among South African
youth.
South Africa’s unemployment rate , particularly among young people
contributes considerably to homelessness as a result of economic
instability (Aratani, 2009). The economic instability causes restricted
job opportunities and low salaries which affects a lot of people's
living conditions. Due to the economic slump more and more families
are becoming homeless with many of the youths living in subpar
housing and paying more than half of their income for rent (Aratani,
2009). Students also described that they are living from paycheck to
paycheck while waiting for financial aid disbursements (White, 2019,
pp. 20-21). The economic insecurity among homeless youth
perpetuates poverty by impeding their capacity to find steady
e mp loymen t an d meet b asic requ ire ments, affecting th eir cu rrent
living situations and prospects.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa has made children more
susceptible to homelessness because of the absence of parental
guidance and support to lead the child in the right direction.
Children who lost parents due to HIV/AIDS-related fatalities may
experience homelessness and unstable housing (Ennett, 1999).
Financial strains like lost wages and medical costs make housing
insta b ility wo rse and ma ke it ha rd er fo r fa m ilie s to a ffo rd hou sing
(Enne tt, 1999 ). Ho me les sne ss among you th a ffected b y HIV/A IDS is
frequently brought about by the lack of support networks, broken
family dynamics, and precarious housing. Their schooling is thus
interrupted and their danger of homelessness is increased due to the
lack of support which may have an impact on their ability to find
w o r k a n d t h e i r f i n a n c i a l s t r u c t u r e . Yo u t h m a r g i n a l i z a t i o n h a s b e e n
made worse by the HIV/Aids pandemic which has caused emotional
trauma, stigma, health issues, discrimination, and restricted access
to necessary resources.
In South Africa family disputes, abuse, and domestic violence are
major causes of teenage homelessness since they result in living on
the streets and a lack of both financial and emotional support
(Landau, 2022). 57% of homeless women are caused by domestic
violence but the ratio rises when the mother has a child that she is
responsible for (Behmerwohld, 2023). Domestic violence survivors
usually have to decide between staying in the abusive relationship
they are in or ending up on the streets since there is a lack of cheap
hou s ing. Due to the do mestic col lap se, h ome le ss yo uth su ffe r from
e m o t i o n a l t r a u m a , s a d n e s s , a n d a n x i e t y. T h e y h a v e t r o u b l e f o r m i n g
healthy relationships, have unstable familial support, and have
difficulty getting access to basic services like healthcare and
e d u c a t i o n ( B e c k e t t s , 2 0 2 3 ) . To m e e t t h e s e o b j e c t i v e s e x t e n s i v e
support systems are required.
South Africa’s complicated juvenile homele ssness p roblem is
exacerbated by family conflicts, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and
un sta b le econo mic co nd itions. Th e a ffo rda b ility of h ou sin g,
education, and unemployment are all made worse by the crisis.
Comprehensive support networks, encompassing housing, mental
health, education, and job prospects, are required to address this.
B iblio grap hy
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Becketts, M. A. (2023, November). Department of Family Services.
Retrieved from 8 Things to Know about Homelessness and Domestic
V i o l e n c e : h t t p s : / / w w w. f a i r f a x c o u n t y. g o v / f a m i l y s e r v i c e s / c o m m u n i t y -
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Behmerwohld, S. (2023, November 9). Human options. Retrieved from
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https://humanoptions.org/domestic-violence-and-homelessness/
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