The Governance of Homelessness in Greece: Discourse and Power in the Study of Philanthropic Networks

Abstract

This article argues that the study of homelessness in the European South can be advanced by employing concepts and methods of critical discourse analysis, which integrate different conceptualizations of homelessness into wider changes in the direction of the ‘pluralistic’ and ‘decentralized’ treatment of poverty and social exclusion. To illustrate the dialectical relationship between power, discourse, and practice in the treatment of homelessness in Greece the analysis of documents and interviews amongst key stakeholders is contrasted with information from my participation in local projects. Findings suggest that powerful actors resort to a mix of philanthropic and managerial discourses to promote their own charitable work and to select deserving from undeserving clients.