Self-managed programmes in homeless care as (reinvented) institutions

摘要

Purpose: Self-managed institutional homeless programmes started as an alternative toregular shelters. Using institutional theory as a lens, we aim to explore the experiences ofstakeholders with the institutional aspects of a self-managed programs.Method: The data we analysed (56 interviews, both open and semi-structured) were generatedin a longitudinal participatory case-study into JES, a self-managed homeless shelter. In ouranalysis we went back and forth between our empirical data and theory, using a combinationof systematic coding and interpretation. Participants were involved in all stages of the research.Results: Our analysis revealed similarities between JES and regular shelters, stemming frominstitutional similarities. Participants shared space and facilities with sixteen people, whichcaused an ongoing discussion on (enforcement of) rules. Participants loathed lack of privatespace. However, participants experienced freedom of choice over both their own life andmanagement of JES and structures were experienced more fluid than in regular care. Somestructures also appeared stimulated self-management.Conclusion: Our analysis showed how an institutional context influences self-managementand suggested opportunities for introducing freedom and fluidity in institutional care.