ABSTRACT

Homelessness remains a prevalent issue, and estimates of the number of people without adequate shelter in the UK suggest that the issue is growing. This research draws on literature on the cognitive impact of poverty, stigma, and self-esteem to show how confidence is improved by coaching programmes with those at risk of homelessness. The paper is based on empirical research into one such programme which offers one-to-one guidance on the interlinked issues of financial management, digital skills, and employability. The research shows that coaching helps to provide relief for participants, which in turn frees up “mental bandwidth”, allowing them to focus on issues such as managing debt and rent arrears. Confidence and self-esteem, which are often lowered by class-related stigma, are also shown to improve, and it is concluded here that this is largely due to participants becoming more closely aligned with normative neoliberal assignments of value.

摘要

无家可归仍然是一个普遍存在的问题，对英国没有足够住所的人数的估计表明这个问题正在增长。这项研究借鉴了关于贫困、污名和自尊对认知影响的文献，以展示如何通过为有无家可归风险的人提供辅导计划来提高信心。该论文基于对此类项目的实证研究，该项目针对财务管理、数字技能和就业能力等相互关联的问题提供一对一指导。研究表明，辅导有助于为参与者提供缓解，从而释放“心理带宽”，使他们能够专注于管理债务和拖欠租金等问题。自信和自尊通常会因与阶级相关的污名而降低，但也显示出改善，