Lifeworld strategies of women who find themselves homeless in South Africa

Abstract

This article examines one way of accessing the issues concerning marginalized groups in order to develop appropriate policy responses. The article is based on a study of the experiential lifeworlds and strategies of street homeless women in inner‐city Johannesburg, South Africa. Using phenomenology as a methodology, the article shows why and how attempts to address street homelessness must take cognizance of the lifeworld strategies of those involved. The article demonstrates that understanding and solving street homelessness must involve looking beyond the provision of housing alone. If effective policies are to be formulated, planners need to understand the nature of homelessness and the events that have shaped homelessness. A holistic and proactive approach based on phenomenological participation and co‐operative exploration could improve understanding and help provide a more comprehensive solution. This would further assist, not only street homeless women, but also other women in crisis or survival situations.