Appropriate socialization of children is crucial to their adult success and to become an effective contributing member in society. Children are the future adults of our society and it is essential for them to be nurtured and cared for properly. They are emotionally impacted by their living situations and family life. In particular, having a place to call a stable home is imperative for a child’s overall well being. Children are at a greater risk than adults to becoming physically and emotionally impacted through traumatic experiences such as homelessness (Williams, 2003). We will use the sociological Conflict Theory to explain the physical, emotional and future affects of a child that endures homelessness. Although some children are runaways,
…show more content…
In addition, her research supports that 47% of homeless children show symptoms of depression and anxiety, and met the standards for medical referral to a therapist (Baggerly, 2004). Children are emotionally affected and experience depression because of their homelessness. They also blame themselves for their position, and this contributes to their low self-esteem. When children are babies, they are immediately socialized and if this is not a positive experience, they will be negatively affected throughout their childhood and adult life. The emotional impact that homelessness has on a child can be so damaging that if they do attend school, they cannot perform well because of outside stressors (Baggerly, 2004). Also, if a child does not attend school they will overall experience lower levels of self-esteem particularly because it socializes them and connects them to peers. One of the only ways that a child can develop a positive self-concept is after the basic needs of survival are met. These include physical necessities, safety and love (Baggerly, …show more content…
A social policy is urgently necessary to help combat this vulnerable and innocent population. Not only are homeless children at risk to become homeless adults, however they also are demonized in mainstream society. An ideal society would consist of successful contributing members; therefore, we need to assist the homeless population. Children who are homeless products of their parents become neglected, depressed and socially isolated by the non-homeless population. It is imperative for homeless children to receive empathy, love and feel entirely safe. Children, who live in any homeless shelters, need to be in special children centers facilitated by therapists. This will ensure that children can still learn, positively grow and be shown the appropriate path for their personal success. In addition, it will keep children away from any other debilitating factors of poverty that will negatively impact them. Clean clothes will aid in building a homeless child’s self esteem, along with reduce the social stigma associated to them. No child should be allowed to attend school with dirty clothes, as this negatively affects the child’s self-concept. This is the best social policy that could be implemented for homeless children to have a chance at a functioning
In addition, her research supports that 47% of homeless children show symptoms of depression and anxiety, and met the standards for medical referral to a therapist (Baggerly, 2004). Children are emotionally affected and experience depression because of their homelessness. They also blame themselves for their position, and this contributes to their low self-esteem. When children are babies, they are immediately socialized and if this is not a positive experience, they will be negatively affected throughout their childhood and adult life. The emotional impact that homelessness has on a child can be so damaging that if they do attend school, they cannot perform well because of outside stressors (Baggerly, 2004). Also, if a child does not attend school they will overall experience lower levels of self-esteem particularly because it socializes them and connects them to peers. One of the only ways that a child can develop a positive self-concept is after the basic needs of survival are met. These include physical necessities, safety and love (Baggerly, …show more content…
A social policy is urgently necessary to help combat this vulnerable and innocent population. Not only are homeless children at risk to become homeless adults, however they also are demonized in mainstream society. An ideal society would consist of successful contributing members; therefore, we need to assist the homeless population. Children who are homeless products of their parents become neglected, depressed and socially isolated by the non-homeless population. It is imperative for homeless children to receive empathy, love and feel entirely safe. Children, who live in any homeless shelters, need to be in special children centers facilitated by therapists. This will ensure that children can still learn, positively grow and be shown the appropriate path for their personal success. In addition, it will keep children away from any other debilitating factors of poverty that will negatively impact them. Clean clothes will aid in building a homeless child’s self esteem, along with reduce the social stigma associated to them. No child should be allowed to attend school with dirty clothes, as this negatively affects the child’s self-concept. This is the best social policy that could be implemented for homeless children to have a chance at a functioning