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Description
This module will enable you to gain a deep understanding, based on extensive analysis of primary sources as well as secondary literature, of experiences of homelessness in London from 1900-2000. It will bring together political history (looking at legislative change and campaigning), economic and spatial history (changing patterns and costs of housing) and social and cultural history (experiences of homes and homelessness, and the impact of class, race, gender and sexuality on those experiences).
The key questions are:
Why were some people homeless?
How did class, race, gender, and sexuality influence how likely someone was to become homeless and what their experiences were like if they did?
Where did they spend their days and nights?
How were they defined by others and how did they see themselves?
How did these things change over time?
How did the state define homelessness and what was done to help those defined as homeless?
What did different political actors think should be done about the problem of homelessness and how were these debates conducted?听
How did the charitable/voluntary sector approach the problem of homelessness?
How did the work of charities/the voluntary sector impact on homeless people鈥檚 lives?
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The primary sources will include: sources looking at spaces and people鈥檚 experiences within those spaces: at buildings, maps, images, and self-narratives such as those found in social surveys, oral histories and autobiographies; and sources created by the state, political actors, and the voluntary sector relating to homelessness. While not required, it would be ideal if students have some background in the history of modern Britain/London.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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