“Beggars Can’t be Choosers”: Exploring Experiences of Power and Oppression in Charitable Food Provision During Homelessness
Abstract
This dissertation aims to understand the experiences of food provision services that support people experiencing homelessness. Despite public sector and charitable supports, many individuals in Canada continue to lack basic necessities such as shelter and food. They remain embedded in a system that perpetuates dependency on external assistance. The dissertation includes a systematic review and two empirical studies, utilizing a critical ethnographic approach to investigate this experience from the perspectives of both service users and providers. Data were analyzed through an abductive approach, guided by the theories put forward by Paulo Freire. The findings reveal that both service users and providers operate within a system that maintains their oppression and reliance on charitable efforts, while governmental inadequacies remain in meeting basic needs. The research highlights the dual role of food provision services as both a site of systemic oppression and a potential space for community and connection. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significance of food beyond sustenance, highlighting its role in fostering community ties, and providing a semblance of normalcy amidst hardship. This dissertation also identifies opportunities at micro, meso, and macro levels aimed at facilitating greater choice in food provision services and addressing the fundamental needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. This dissertation advocates for a shift from charity-based models to justice-oriented approaches that prioritize human rights and social equity, advocating for systemic changes that support empowerment of populations marginalized by inequity and address the root causes of food insecurity.