Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 12-3-2025

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Ann Gordon

Abstract

As the homeless population continues to rise in the United States, it is imperative to look into public opinion, fear, and support for policies regarding perceptions of homelessness. I will examine the relationship between several key determinants—political ideology, socioeconomic status, fear perceptions, and public attitudes toward homelessness policies—within the United States, using data from the Chapman Survey of American Fears, a representative national sample of U.S. adults. Among the key findings is a significant relationship between political party identification and attitudes toward homeless individuals. There is strong, consistent agreement across demographic groups that adequate shelter space should be made available for people experiencing homelessness. In contrast, the analysis shows no meaningful relationship between education level and support for this shelter policy, indicating that support remains high regardless of educational attainment. By analyzing the impact of fears surrounding the homeless and tent encampments, this study reveals how such fear-driven attitudes can steer public preferences toward punitive measures rather than supportive, solution-based policies. Although understanding public perceptions will not solve the homelessness crisis on its own, it is essential for developing effective and informed solutions.

Comments

Presented at the Fall 2025 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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