Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Department
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Director of Thesis
Candice Morgan, Ph.D., MSW
Second Reader
Lana Hart Elkins, Ed.D, LMSW
Abstract
This thesis examines how homelessness is defined, explained, and addressed within contemporary U.S. research using Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Intersectionality as guiding frameworks. Through a qualitative, deductive thematic analysis of 16 peer-reviewed articles, this study identifies six key themes related to structural causation, policy governance, measurement practices, racial inequality, dominant narratives, and intersecting systems of disadvantage. Findings reveal that while structural explanations of homelessness are widely acknowledged, they are inconsistently defined and often insufficiently theorized. Institutional systems primarily function to manage rather than resolve homelessness, while measurement practices and definitions actively shape who is recognized and prioritized. Additionally, structural racism is central to homelessness yet unevenly integrated across the literature, and dominant narratives continue to individualize homelessness despite strong structural evidence. Overall, this study argues that homelessness is produced through interlocking systems of inequality and that individual-level explanations obscure these dynamics, reinforcing limited and often punitive policy responses. These findings highlight the need for theoretically grounded, structurally focused approaches to both research and policy.
First Page
1
Last Page
55
Recommended Citation
McClain, Madison R., "Beyond the Individual: Exploring Structural Explanations of Homelessness Through Thematic Analysis of Extant Research" (2026). Senior Theses. 848.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/senior_theses/848
Rights
© 2026 Madison McClain. This work is made available for educational and research purposes. No part of this work may be reproduced or distributed without permission from the author.
Included in
Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Housing Law Commons, Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Welfare Law Commons, Social Work Commons, Sociology Commons
Comments
I would like to thank Dr. Candice Morgan for her guidance and mentorship throughout the development of this project, and Dr. Lana Elkins for her valuable feedback and support. Additional thanks to the South Carolina Honors College for providing academic support.