Many homeless people still receive prejudice for their situation including being viewed as ‘lowest of the low’ (Fiske et al., 2002). Alcoholics are also judged for their condition (Schomerus, 2021 ). 20% of homeless females report alcohol use alongside 30% of homeless men (Bretherton, 2017). Homeless males receive more discrimination than homeless females (Schnittker, 2000), as do alcoholic males (Weine et al., 2016). Whilst these variables have been explored individually, no current research synthesises them into one study. The aim was to explore attitude differences towards gender, homelessness, alcoholism, and labelling presented in similar vignettes. Participants’ individual differences was also explored to examine effects on attitudes including age and gender (Kingree & Daves, 1997).
A between-subjects design explored 240 participants’ (1 non-binary, 69 males, 170 females) views on 8 vignettes devised by the researchers, alongside the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification test (Saunders et al., 1993), Experience with Homelessness Questionnaire (Kloos & Snow-Hill, forthcoming), Attitudes Towards homelessness Inventory (Kingree & Daves, 1997), and Attitudes Towards Homelessness Questionnaire (Lester & Pattison, 2000). Participants were split into younger (aged 18-21) and older (22+) groups. After reverse coding, total scores were calculated for each participants’ questionnaire responses, higher totals show a more positive view.
Results show higher preference towards female vignettes, and homeless vignettes, but no significant difference was found between alcohol and frequent drinker vignettes overall. However, female alcoholics were viewed more positively than male alcoholics, and homeless females were viewed more positively than homeless males. The most positive responses came from older participants, and male participants. Some experience with homelessness conditions influenced ratings, including those with a homeless friend/family member.
Findings are useful for practical applications, such as community intervention programs, and policy development. Despite gaining valuable insight, there are limitations which are mentioned alongside improvement recommendations to inspire research and improve society.
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