ABSTRACT
Underlying my application of critical theory to homelessness are three related analytical perspectives: social constructionism, the operation of language, and rhetorical analysis. In particular, chapter 3 highlights the way that the homeless in general and various subgroups of homeless peo ple are socially constructed in the McKinney Act, in related legislation, and in debate about the homeless leading up to the McKinney Act’s passage. In addition, the way that the indigent and homeless are socially constructed in earlier public policies are examined in chapter 4.
