Approaches and Perspectives on Policies and Social Dynamics related to Vulnerability and Homelessness

The analysis of policies and interventions is deeply related to the territory analysed. A focus on a specific area must consider the social, cultural and political settings that intersect within socioeconomic dynamics. This analysis of the literature considers the changes brought throughout the years within welfare systems by neoliberalism and other streams of policy making processes and political realms. The review aims to present different definitions and nuances of vulnerability and marginalisation, with a special focus on people experiencing homelessness, by studying not only measures ‘tailored’ to these groups’ needs, but also other marginalising processes within society. The dynamics operating in the contexts defined by these characteristics are multifaceted and dense with sociocultural significance. This analysis poses questions related to the social definitions of the beneficiaries of such measures, which are produced by themselves, experts, the political discourse and citizens. Italy is used here as an example because of its history of profound differentiation between Regions regarding the levels of assistance and attention to specific issues. This heterogeneity poses questions about administrative, bureaucratic and social barriers, which are telling of the priorities underlined by the social and political contexts. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated some of these dynamics while creating new ones and redefining individualities. The realisation of the right to health of vulnerable groups became a topic of discussion confronted with different means, depending on the contextual forces in question.