The Criminalization of Poverty and Homelessness in Cities

This episode examines the troubling trend of criminalizing poverty and homelessness in urban environments. We'll explore how the intersection of economic inequality, lack of affordable housing, and limited social support systems has led to the criminalization of survival behaviors among the most vulnerable members of city populations. From the enforcement of vagrancy laws and the targeting of panhandling to the criminalization of homelessness itself, we'll delve into the ways in which the criminal justice system has been used to manage and marginalize the urban poor. By understanding these dynamics, we can work towards developing more compassionate and effective approaches to addressing the root causes of urban poverty and homelessness.