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این یک عنوان است
This is a caption.Amir Razaqi

The progress of science and technology has led to the development of societies and transformation in the ways of human life. The transition of societies to the modern era has had consequences for these societies. Some societies and governing institutions – including governments – have been able to control the negative effects and consequences of modernization to a great extent by adopting logical, rational, and efficient policies and methods. These countries have been able to promote economic, social, and human development indicators to expand prosperity and reduce the growth rate of social problems in their societies.

Nowadays, urban societies, especially in underdeveloped countries or countries with slow development, are facing various social issues and problems. One of these problems, which is the subject of this text, is the phenomenon of homelessness. Homelessness is a social phenomenon that involves various factors and has a significant impact. Like many other social phenomena, it is both a result of and a contributor to other social phenomena.

Multiple perspectives have been presented by commentators and social theorists on the phenomenon of homelessness. Montgomery sees homelessness as the result of a deep and fundamental gap in an individual’s communication, lack of coherence and constant or temporary disconnection from friends and family, which leads to the loss of a stable place to live. He considers the main cause of homelessness to be the lack of coherence and connection of the individual with the social network of relationships, and does not see the lack of a place and location as the cause of homelessness. Robert Martin, an American sociologist, believes that the growth of homelessness is in a society that places a great emphasis on material success and recognizes wealth as the measure of success for individuals. Wealth is recognized as a cultural and social goal, and often people believe that success is measured by material standards. In these societies, a limited and privileged group of people have widespread access to material facilities and goals, while other groups have limited access to material facilities and find it difficult to find ways to generate

In Iran, due to the weakness and inefficiency of economic and social policies, lack of social justice, existence of inequality and disproportionate distribution of income and wealth in society, poverty and social problems are increasing and day by day, the number of people who are deprived of basic living needs and necessary support in economic, social, health, mental and other areas is growing. The phenomenon of homelessness, which is a consequence of ineffective policies and programs, is becoming increasingly visible and observable in cities – especially in major cities of the country.

Homelessness has negative consequences for both individuals and society. One of the consequences of homelessness is the tendency for homeless individuals to turn to addiction and drug use. A homeless person, who has been rejected by their family and ignored by society, and does not have access to support services, may resort to drug use as a way to escape their current situation. Those who enter the cycle of homelessness often also enter the cycle of drug use; it is estimated that around 51% of homeless individuals are drug users. Therefore, it can be said that there is a significant correlation between homelessness and drug use.

In addition to drug use, there can also be other consequences such as an increase in physical and mental illnesses due to lack of access to proper health and medical services and being at risk for diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. Homelessness can also lead to other social issues such as isolation, theft, profanity, destruction of public property, and many others. Furthermore, homelessness has a significant correlation with a decrease in life expectancy and an increase in suicide rates and mortality.

Lack of trust and support from society towards the homeless creates a social exclusion and frustration for homeless individuals. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, worthlessness, failure, lack of support, inability to change the course of events, being pushed to the margins by family and society, feelings of inadequacy, humiliation, and being misunderstood and falsely accused are emotions and thoughts that the homeless constantly face.

To overcome the phenomenon of homelessness, two types of explanations can be sought: structural-based explanations and individual-based explanations, emotional and psychological. In addition to providing and implementing scientific, logical, and effective programs and policies, the economic, social, and human development indicators and social welfare should be improved. Attention should also be paid to cultural sensitization and changing society’s attitude towards homeless individuals, as well as providing emotional and psychological support and empowering the homeless.