Bachelor on the Streets

In a follow-up study to 1985 research by the authors on temporary housing projects near Rouen, France (see abstract 8963230), it is argued that homelessness is a gradual process, the end result of a progressive breakdown of the family structure. While families try to avoid or delay throwing out an adult member, repeated incidents of violence, continual troubles with police, & posting bails prompt removal of the problem. As the social distance between a man & his family increases, his deviant behaviors become less manageable, & banishment to the streets reflects a kind of private punishment for harms done to the family. Adapted from the source document.