Understanding of the life experience of homeless women

Authors

  • Priscilla Ribeiro Biscotto Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Maria Cristina Pinto de Jesus Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; Faculdade de Enfermagem
  • Marcelo Henrique da Silva Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Deíse Moura de Oliveira Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Departamento de Medicina e Enfermagem
  • Miriam Aparecida Barbosa Merighi Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420160000600006

Keywords:

Women, Homeless Persons, Social Vulnerability, Qualitative Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To understand the life experience of homeless women. METHOD A social phenomenological study was conducted with 10 women assisted by a shelter. The analysis of the interviews was based on the theoretical framework of social phenomenology of Alfred Schütz and thematic literature. RESULTS The participants face adversities in the street context, with emphasis on the risk of physical and sexual abuse, and seek shelters as a possibility for minimizing difficulties experienced. They hope to leave the streets; however, they see themselves trapped in this social reality, due to the addiction to alcohol and other drugs. CONCLUSION The understanding of the life experience of homeless women shows daily confrontations and reveals the conflict between the desire for leaving and remaining on the streets, given the complexity of the reality that keeps them in this condition.

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Published

2016-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

Biscotto, P. R., Jesus, M. C. P. de, Silva, M. H. da, Oliveira, D. M. de, & Merighi, M. A. B. (2016). Understanding of the life experience of homeless women. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 50(5), 749-755. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420160000600006