ABSTRACT
The importance of the constructed character of the problem as a criterion for analysis and policy-oriented identification of it is a central theme of the debate. The category of homelessness itself may be seen as an element of this political game. The objections that have been aimed at the category of homelessness come from their policy implications. The criticisms are centred on two main arguments that proceed from the ‘reifying’ character of the category. The housing thesis has the merit of rejecting the ‘emergency’ approaches to homelessness, based on the split between normal and special housing that has been typical of the tradition of welfare housing policies. The problem remains of what importance the specific nature of homelessness has in the construction of effective policies, or whether policies aimed at homelessness should be virtually identified with policies against exclusion.
