| Description |
1 online resource (ix, 332 pages, 10 unnumbered pages of plates) : illustrations |
| Contents |
1. The problem of the homeless in American history -- 2. The origins of homelessness in early America -- 3. The emergence of the tramp, 1865-1880 -- 4. Tramps, trains, and towns, 1880-1915 -- 5. Organized charity, social workers, and the homeless -- 6. Who were the homeless -- 7. On the road -- 8. In the city -- 9. A changing image : the homeless in popular culture, 1890-1930 -- 10. From tramp to transient : the great depression -- 11. The forgotten men, 1935-1975 -- 12. A new homeless? |
| Summary |
Covering the entire period, from the colonial era to the late-20th century, this book charts the history of the homeless in America. Drawing on sources that include records of charitable organizations, sociological studies, and numerous memoirs of formerly homeless persons, Kusmer demonstrates that the homeless have been a significant presence on the American scene for over 200 years. He probes the history of homelessness from a variety of angles, showing why people become homeless; how charities and public authorities dealt with this social problem; and the diverse ways in which different class, ethnic, and racial groups perceived and responded to homelessness. Kusmer demonstrates that, despite the common perception of the homeless as a deviant group, they have always had much in common with the average American. Focusing on the millions who suffered downward mobility, this title provides an alternative view of the evolution of American society and raises disturbing questions about the repeated failure to face and solve the problem of homelessness |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
English |
|
Print version record |
| Subject |
Homelessness -- United States -- History
|
|
Homeless persons -- United States -- History
|
|
SOCIAL SCIENCE -- Poverty & Homelessness.
|
|
Homeless persons
|
|
Homelessness
|
|
Thuislozen.
|
|
United States
|
|
Verenigde Staten.
|
| Genre/Form |
History
|
| Form |
Electronic book
|
| LC no. |
00140074 |
| ISBN |
9780198021544 |
|
0198021542 |
|
9780195047783 |
|
0195047788 |
|
1601296452 |
|
9781601296450 |
|
1280440627 |
|
9781280440625 |
|
0195180437 |
|
9780195180435 |
|
0195185706 |
|
9780195185706 |
|
9786610440627 |
|
661044062X |
|
