A synthesis of homelessness in South Africa: A rapid critical appraisal |
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Authors: | Leon Roets Annali Botha Sarie P Human Herman Strydom Martha J Watson |
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Institution: | 1. Programme Convener, Postgraduate Programme of Social and Behavioural Studies, Department of Sociology, UNISA, Pretoria, South Africa;2. Associate Professor, Department of Health Studies, UNISA, Pretoria, South Africa;3. Professor, Department of Health Studies, UNISA, Pretoria, South Africa;4. Professor, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa;5. Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Homelessness in South Africa requires collaborative research. Social, political, cultural and economic factors that cause homelessness must be considered to develop a common definition and understanding of homelessness. South Africa’s social complexity and diversity make it challenging to construct available results into one conceptual framework, and this in turn complicates national policy implementation and role allocation. By means of a rapid critical appraisal of literature on homelessness in South Africa, researchers provide evidence to direct and structure contextual research pertaining to homelessness. Four themes transpire: conceptualisation; demography; roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders; and strategic policy and research issues. Researchers caution that the findings are not generalisable, because of the rapid nature of the appraisal and possible selection bias of the literature. Measures of validity were used to ensure that the study accomplished its purpose through the key results and to ensure that the results are a true reflection of available evidence. |
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Keywords: | Conceptual framework defining homelessness rapid critical appraisal South African context |
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