Sisyphean Struggles: Encounters and Interactions within Two US Public Housing Programs

We operationalize the concepts of rights, discretion, and negotiation in service provision at two public housing sites, exploring their connections to the generation of shame or dignity building for residents. Using data from in-depth interviews with housing residents and caseworkers, we found that...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of social quality 2016-12, Vol.6 (2), p.89-108
Main Authors: Gubrium, Erika, Dhakal, Sabina, Sylvester, Laura, Gubrium, Aline
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Economic aspects
Human dignity
Public housing
Social aspects
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:We operationalize the concepts of rights, discretion, and negotiation in service provision at two public housing sites, exploring their connections to the generation of shame or dignity building for residents. Using data from in-depth interviews with housing residents and caseworkers, we found that resident rights were limited by a decentralized system that actively prevented them from taking control of their lives. Residents frequently experienced caseworker discretion as personally intrusive, yet there was some, if limited, space for negotiation between caseworkers offering personalized care and residents evaluated as worthy of such focus. These interactions offered the potential for enhanced recognition and dignity.
ISSN:1757-0344
1757-0352
DOI:10.3167/IJSQ.2016.060207