The issue of homelessness has commanded increasing public attention in the last decades of the twentieth century. In this scholarly look at homelessness from a world perspective, the plight of homeless men, women, children, and families is viewed from the available research published in books, journals, participatory and advocacy projects, and government reports.

Combining ethnographic descriptions of homeless people with analysis of causes and consequences of homelessness, each chapter explores historical material, contemporary case studies and descriptions of homelessness, survival strategies of the homeless, health problems, census efforts, and finally, exemplary programs and policies that address homelessness.

Including a list of recommended readings, films, and videos, Homelessness in Global Perspective will be an important resource for students in the fields of anthropology sociology social work, nursing, medicine, urban planning, human services, and Third World studies, as well as governmental and nongovernmental agencies.