Significant social networks of homeless men in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Significant social networks represent the social bonds that promote support for the individual in different situations. This research aimed to identify and analyze the significant social networks of homeless person. Twelve men participated in the network map, which allowed us to analyze the structure, functions, and attributes of the link. There was a concentration of people in the following quarters: community, social assistance and health staff, since people and institutions develop multiple functions of emotional support, material help and social regulation that help in the sense of citizenship. On the other hand, the frailties in the links were identified in the quadrants of the family, friends, and study / work. These results indicate that social and health care workers provide support in accordance with the objectives and guidelines of public policies, but weak ties in other networks make it impossible to resume life projects.