Intersecting Vulnerabilities, Intersectional Discrimination, and Stigmatization Among People Living Homeless in Nicaragua

• Published in: Social science quarterly Vol. 102; no. 1; pp. 618 - 627
• Main Authors: Vázquez, José Juan, Suarez, Alexia C., Berríos, Alberto E., Panadero, Sonia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Alcohol abuse; Discrimination; Drug abuse; Health problems; Health status; Homeless people; Hygiene; Intersectionality; Mental disorders; Mental health; Personal hygiene; Social exclusion; Social integration; Stigma; Substance abuse; Nicaragua
• ISSN: 0038-4941; 1540-6237
• DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12879

Objective The main objective of this study is to examine the intersecting vulnerabilities, intersectional discrimination, and stigmatization experienced by homeless people living in León (Nicaragua). Method The data analyzed come from a Point‐In‐Time count carried out in the city of León, which identified 82 people living homeless. Forty‐seven of the people identified responded to a brief questionnaire that provided more accurate information. Results The results obtained showed that people living homeless in León largely presented “non‐white” ethnic‐racial traits, poor personal hygiene, readily visible physical health problems, and observable symptoms associated with mental health problems and alcohol and/or drug abuse. Conclusions The information we obtained showed that people living homeless in León were subject to multiple intersecting vulnerabilities and aggravated forms of intersectional discrimination and social stigmatization, with a cumulative effect that could be highly detrimental to their social inclusion processes, leading to high levels of chronification of homelessness.