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Sociology is the scientific study of society. It involves the critical analysis of societal structures, cultures, and institutions that constitute the fabric of our society. The goal of sociologists is to dissect how society functions by examining large-scale societal structures—such as institutions and economies—at the macro level, as well as small-scale interactions between individuals at the micro level.

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Sociological imagination refers to how individuals can link their own personal experiences and struggles to broader societal issues and understand how they are influenced by both contemporary and historical societal structures and institutions.

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Homelessness is a chronic issue that affects our society on both a MACRO and MICRO scale. Those who are unhoused are often seen congregating on streets and have formed their own unique subcultures. In their subculture, they share resources, have regular interactions with one another, and have their own norms and values that are distinct from the larger society in which they live. They are often considered a nuisance or burden by societal institutions like health care, law enforcement, government services (macro) and they often face stigma, social exclusion or even verbal or physical harassment from individuals. (micro)

My upbringing was largely in Kingston, Ontario - a town that primarily has a large population of upper middle class, privileged people and as a result, I did not empathize with the struggles of unhoused individuals and or those who are struggling with drug and mental health issues, until I relocated to downtown Toronto after high school. My experiences as a child had distorted my perception of the destitute and unhoused population because I erroneously believed that their life was a result of the poor choices they made. I was blissfully unaware how some people grow up in vastly different circumstances than my peers and I did and. Many of them them grew up struggling to afford or access basic necessities, had abusive or absent parents and never got compassion from anyone. They lacked the support system to help them when they developed mental or substance abuse issues. After some time volunteering at a local homeless shelter, and conversing with these people, my views began to radically shift.

Who is homeless in Canada?. HomelessHub. (n.d.-b). https://homelesshub.ca/collection/homelessness-101/who-is-homeless-in-canada/

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Conflict Theory is the sociological framework that arises out of the scarcity of resources. It emphasizes the chronic struggle between socioeconomic classes, racial/ethnic groups, and other social categories, for the acquisition of limited resources. This theory highlights the unequal distribution of wealth and power in society and how very wealthy people and corporations (bourgeoisie) exploit and marginalize those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. (proletariat). As per conflict theory, it is this struggle that drives social inequality and fuels systemic change.

Homelessness can be viewed through the lens of conflict theory. The economic disparity and struggle for limited resources has resulted in a capitalistic economic system which prioritizes profits over anything else. Wealth and the means of production are owned by a few and those who work minimum wage jobs in corporations or those who can't get a job struggle to secure affordable housing and find themselves homeless. The rising costs of housing and landlords who increase rents to increase the amount of profit they generate from their rental properties also perpetuate this inequality.

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Structural functionalism views society as being composed of interdependent elements that all serve a function and rely on each other to form a stable, cohesive society.

A structural functionalist view on the societal issue of homelessness is viewing a dysfunctional, abusive parent as the root cause of homelessness. Dysfunctional, neglectful or abusive parenting can lead to children who perform poorly academically, develop mental illnesses and start self medicating via drugs. This may eventually lead to them becoming drug addicts and ending up on the streets as unhoused individuals.

The issue of homelessness can be

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Symbolic Interactionism is a sociological theory based on how individuals interact with one another, using symbols, words or actions which they have constructed and assigned meaning to.

Everyday interactions that occur between the homeless population and passers by who give them a scornful look or rudely tell them to 'move along' or 'leave' when they ask for change are a prime example of symbolic interactionism. The tone, gesture, and facial interaction all convey judgement, and reinforces the social hierarchy that exists between the individual and the homeless person.

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After learning about the various different sociological frameworks, I have gained a lot of insight into how society functions and how many of our actions and structures can have latent and manifest functions. For example, prior to studying conflict theory, I did not know how social institutions like higher education can perpetuate and deepen the divide between socioeconomic classes and further exacberate inequality in society but I now understand it.

In my own personal life, I have realized I behave in certain ways because of symbolic interactionism. For example, I speak and write using very formal language in academic or professional settings but then adapt my speech and tone when I am conversing with friends.

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Who is homeless in Canada?. HomelessHub. (n.d.-a). https://homelesshub.ca/collection/homelessness-101/who-is-homeless-in-canada/