The Sharp Edge of Precarity A framework of Multiple Precarities and homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand Nathaniel Christensen A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Geography, University of Otago, New Zealand 2017 Abstract This thesis presents a conceptual framework of ‘multiple precarities’ in order to describe intersectionalities of vulnerability and insecurity. This thesis also then road-tests the framework in the specific context of homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand. By using the framework, homelessness is presented as both a condition and an identity, and is called the ‘sharp edge of precarity,’ where many different precarities intersect and coalesce. This thesis draws on empirical data collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants, a focus group with service providers in Auckland, field notes and observations, and a media analysis. The media analysis is also used to assess the representations of homelessness, and to evaluate how this aligns with the understanding of homelessness seen through the framework of multiple precarities. Though precarity is commonly used to assess peoples’ insecurity in the labour market (see for example Standing 2011), this thesis draws in various other interpretations of precarity. The resulting varieties of precarity are used to present the framework of multiple precarities as a holistic tool with which insecurity and vulnerability can be understood in a far more expansive way. This framework is far more applicable to the diverse situations that people experience than any one interpretation of precarity. Empirical data supports the use of the framework as a way to evaluate homelessness, and analysis of media suggests there are opportunities to use the framework of multiple precarities to communicate the nature of homelessness, or develop policy responses. ii Acknowledgements Researching and writing this thesis hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding in many ways. At times the project was almost overwhelmingly daunting – both in terms of sheer size and due to the often-confronting nature of the work. There have been so many times that I wondered what I, or indeed anyone, could ever offer that would make the problem of homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand easier to understand or deal with. At other times, I wondered how I was ever going to even finish a chapter, let alone a whole thesis. But, throughout the (longer than it should have been) process, so many people have offered me support. My family, and in particular my wife Stef, have always had my back and continued to support me when I needed it – or tell me to get a move on when I needed that too. My supervisor Sophie has been a fantastic source of wisdom and advice, and consistently pushed me to Question and think more deeply about the world around me – not just in this thesis, but throughout my time at university. I have also been lucky to have great connections and friendships with colleagues in the Geography department, whose passion for good chat, good coffee, and for thinking deeply has certainly been a highlight of my postgraduate studies. Finally, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of my participants who so generously gave up their time to help me understand and write about homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand and test my theoretical framework. Their passion and ability to serve the people of Auckland in particular was astonishing, and I have no doubts that they are collectively embodying what it means to make the world a better place. I learnt so much by talking with them – not just about this topic, but also about how to selflessly serve others. iii Table of Contents Abstract ....................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. iii Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... iv List of Tables and Figures ...................................................................................... vi Chapter One: Introducing precarious homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Studying homelessness with a framework of multiple precarities ............... 3 1.3 Contextualising precarity ....................................................................................... 5 1.4 Thesis structure ........................................................................................................ 8 Chapter Two: Studying precarious homelessness ............................................ 10 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 10 2.2 Theoretical approaches ......................................................................................... 10 2.3 Methods ................................................................................................................... 14 2.4 Ethical considerations ........................................................................................... 21 Chapter Three: Examining multiple precarities in literature ......................... 25 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 25 3.2 Contesting Precarity .............................................................................................. 26 3.3 Labour Precarity and a post-Marxist class ......................................................... 27 3.4 Precarity and Social Action .................................................................................. 31 3.5 Precarity of Place .................................................................................................... 35 3.6 Precarious lives ....................................................................................................... 37 3.7 Intersectionality ...................................................................................................... 39 3.8 Bringing it together: A Framework of Multiple Precarities ........................... 41 Chapter Four: Constructing and reviewing homelessness in literature ........ 45 4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 45 4.2 Conceiving home .................................................................................................... 45 4.3 Definitions of homelessness ................................................................................ 48 4.4 Experiencing homelessness; being homeless ................................................... 55 4.5 Public spaces, private lives? ................................................................................. 57 4.6 Making policy for the homeless .......................................................................... 61 4.7 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 63 iv Chapter Five: A framework of multiple precarities of homelessness ........... 65 5.1 Introduction to the framework of multiple precarities of homelessness ... 65 5.2 Precarious pathways ............................................................................................. 68 5.3 Pathways out of homelessness: increasing income ......................................... 80 5.4 The multiple precarities of homelessness ........................................................ 82 5.5 Intersecting precarities ......................................................................................... 98 5.6 Concluding Remarks .......................................................................................... 107 Chapter Six: Representations of precarious homelessness ............................ 110 6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 110 6.2 Increased media coverage .................................................................................. 112 6.3 Changing representations of homelessness .................................................... 115 6.4 Responses to increased homelessness ............................................................. 120 6.5 Shaping representations of homelessness ..................................................... 128 6.6 Conclusions .......................................................................................................... 138 Chapter Seven: Conclusions and recommendations ....................................... 140 7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 140 7.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................ 141 7.3 Research questions ............................................................................................... 146 7.4 Reflecting on the framework of multiple precarities .................................... 148 7.5 Possibilities for future research ........................................................................ 154 Reference List ........................................................................................................