“Homelessness Is a Bus Stop”: Exploring the Self-Categorization
Mechanism of the Korean Homeless through A Grounded Theory Study
Abstract
The article investigates the experiences of homeless individuals in
Korea and reconstructs the perspective of homeless policy based on their
reflections. By analyzing the self-identity of homeless individuals,
which has been overlooked in policy studies, through the grounded theory
method, this study aims to systematize the contributions of existing
research on the definitions of homelessness and homeless individuals.
Through an in-depth analysis of life history data collected from the
Korea Social Science Data Archive, the researchers identify four
metaphorical ‘bus stops’ within homelessness, representing distinct
stages in the homelessness journey. These stops range from accepting
homelessness as a final destination to seeking actively to escape it.
Each bus stop is distinguished by one’s judgment regarding the current
situation surrounding oneself, efforts to overcome homelessness,
perceptions of others experiencing homelessness, and recognition of
homelessness as a destination in life. The study informs targeted and
compassionate support and policy interventions by understanding these
stations. Despite the potential limitations of secondary data, such as a
lack of direct control over its scope or quality, the study offers
valuable insights into the lives of homeless individuals, laying the
groundwork for Korea’s future homeless policies that prioritize
inclusivity and the homeless population’s unique perspective.