Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Marshall, Carrie Anne.
2nd Supervisor
Oudshoorn, Abe.
Joint Supervisor
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.
Summary for Lay Audience
Many people in Canada still struggle to meet basic needs like shelter and food. They remain entrenched in a system that forces them to depend on others for help. This dissertation aims to understand the experiences of people who use and provide food services for those experiencing homelessness. It includes a review of existing studies and two new studies that look at these issues from the perspectives of both the service users and the providers. Using a method that involves observation, interviews, and critical analysis, the findings show that both service users and providers are trapped in a system that keeps them oppressed and reliant on charity, while the government fails to meet their basic needs. However, the research also reveals that food provision services can be a place where community and connection are built during shared meals, offering some comfort and valuable interactions among peers.
The study highlights that food is not just about eating to stay alive; it also plays a crucial role in fostering community ties. Despite these insights, there are many opportunities for further research, policy change, and individual action to give people more choice in food services and to better meet their basic needs. The study calls for a shift from charity-based models to approaches that focus on justice and human rights, advocating for changes that empower marginalized people and address the root causes of food insecurity.
Recommended Citation
Easton, Corinna, "“Beggars Can’t be Choosers”: Exploring Experiences of Power and Oppression in Charitable Food Provision During Homelessness" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10635.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10635
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Included in
Food Studies Commons, Nonprofit Studies Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Social Justice Commons