The views of homeless people in Portugal on barriers to reintegration into the workforce

Abstract

A sample of 202 Portuguese homeless male adults aged 22–64 was presented with 50 questions referring to reasons that could deter them from entering or re-entering the labor market. Through factor analysis, four factors were found: Unattractive Working Conditions (e.g. Companies offer jobs that are not interesting), Adhesion to Homelessness Culture (e.g. I have no reason to try to please anybody), Lack of Self-Confidence (e.g. I don’t believe in myself), and Habituation to Shelter (e.g. I can have everything I need from this institution). For 39%, mainly those participants who have experienced substance abuse problems, bad health, and conflict with the family in the past, working conditions were perceived as a strong barrier. For 27%, mainly people with a lower educational level, homeless culture was viewed as a strong barrier. Finally, for 21% and 6% respectively, perceived personal weaknesses, and habituation to current life in shelter home were additional barriers.