An exploration of Central and Eastern European migrants’ experiences of homelessness in Scotland

Abstract

Research into the experiences of Central and Eastern European (CEE) migrants who are homeless in Scotland has been neglected. This thesis argues that CEE migrants face specific challenges as a result of their migration status that impact risk and experiences of homelessness. However, the existing evidence base has a dearth of research around CEE nationals’ migration and homelessness experiences in the Scottish context. Furthermore, the existing evidence based is largely outdated, as much of the research was conducted before the UK Government altered European Union (EU) nationals’ entitlements to welfare and the UK voted to leave the EU. It is in this new context that the current research that seeks to explore CEE migrants’ experiences of homelessness in Scotland is situated. 20 biographical interviews were conducted with CEE nationals who were homeless in two Scottish cities, documenting their lives from pre-migration to present day. Observations were also conducted in homelessness services and 12 semi-structured interviews conducted with homelessness workers who engaged with CEE nationals. Using the theoretical lens of Bourdieu's (1986a) habitus, capitals and field, along with Putnam's (2000) bonding and bridging social capital and Lipsky's (2010) street level bureaucracy, the findings suggest that CEE nationals experience inequality and disadvantage from when they arrive in the UK that significantly impact their risk of homelessness. Additionally, once homeless, it can be difficult to alleviate their homelessness due to barriers resulting from their migration status. While there are barriers at local level, it is acknowledged that these are exacerbated by challenges at the government and legislative level. Therefore, the main implications are that the UK and Scottish Governments need to develop ways to facilitate successful migration. Furthermore, the Scottish homelessness system, and UK Government policy on welfare, need to be reviewed to account for the unique circumstances of CEE, and EU, nationals.