Abstract
This article reflects on the contribution of qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) to understandings of homeless peoples’ experiences of support service interventions in an era of austerity in the UK. It brings into ‘analytic conversation’ data from qualitative longitudinal evaluations of homeless support projects operated by voluntary sector organisations in Scotland. With fieldwork spanning 2014-2019, the analysis expands the analytical potential of pooling small-scale studies through an interrogation of individuals’ ‘journeys’ through homelessness services and their rough path to ‘home’. By reflecting on our substantive findings, the article explores the added value and challenges of a longitudinal approach. It concludes that while QLR can deliver deep insight into lives lived by vulnerable populations and potentially reduce the distance between policy makers and those affected, its benefits must be balanced against pragmatism and the ethical responsibilities associated with the method.
Highlights
Ten years ago the British public was told that fiscal consolidation was necessary to secure Britain’s future economic stability, and that public spending cuts of £83 billion – ostensibly affecting all sectors of society – were necessary to deliver a “new vision for a fairer Britain” (HM Treasury, 2010, p7)
This paper draws on two qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) studies, both of which sought to investigate the everyday experiences of homeless people with ‘complex needs’ – such as co-occurring substance misuse and mental health problems or other manifestations of extreme disadvantage (Bramley et al 2015, 2019)
It concludes that researchers working with homeless people must recognise the particular ethical and practical challenges of QLR, and in particular the responsibilities associated with the researcherparticipant relationship when employing the approach
Summary
Citation for published version: Davidson, E, Nugent, B & Johnsen, S 2021, 'Charting the rough journey to ‘home’: The contribution of qualitative longitudinal research to understandings of homelessness in austerity', Social Policy and Society. This version is published under a Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND. Charting the rough journey to ‘home’: The contribution of qualitative longitudinal research to understandings of homelessness in austerity
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