View Table of Contents

Series

Volume 11

WYSE Series in Social Anthropology

Reviews

“Through a compelling ethnographic narrative, Making Better Lives follows the active practices, routines and techniques of people sleeping rough on the streets of Paris. In detailing the ways in which homeless people actively strive to survive – whether independently, in groups, or with the support of different kinds of assistants sociaux – the author provides a critical but hopeful account of how people on the streets attempt to make better lives for themselves. Their experiences are researched and narrated with such skill, honesty and compassion that it is impossible for the reader not to feel invested in them. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding homelessness and home-making, as well as the complexities of their governance.” • Lindsey McCarthy, Sheffield Hallam University

“The book is very timely as there haven’t been many ethnographic monographs published on homelessness in recent years despite homelessness growing considerably in many Western countries. In my view, the monograph makes several original contributions to the literature on homelessness.” • Jennifer Hoolachan, Cardiff University

“This is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive account of homeless persons in Paris and its neighboring areas. The book offers a lot of new and insightful lines of thought and analysis on this important and timely subject matter, with the text working well as a whole to convey the main ideas and observations involved.” • Robert Desjarlais, Sarah Lawrence College

Description

In this ethnographic study, Johannes Lenhard observes the daily practices, routines and techniques of people who are sleeping rough on the streets of Paris. The book focusses on their survival practises, their short-term desires and hopes, how they earn money through begging, how they choose the best place to sleep at night and what role drugs and alcohol play in their lives. The book also follows people through different institutional settings, including a homeless day centre, a needle exchange, a centre for people with alcohol problems and a homeless shelter.

Subject: Anthropology (General)SociologyUrban Studies

Area: France

Contents

Download ToC (PDF)

Back to Top

---

Of Related Interest

Rescuing the Vulnerable

Poverty, Welfare and Social Ties in Modern Europe

Invisible Faces and Hidden Stories

Narratives of Vulnerable Populations and Their Caregivers

Placing London

From Imperial Capital to Global City

Collective Terms

Race, Culture, and Community in a State-Planned City in France