Austerity Quote by Bruno De Oliveira
““Homelessness in the context of austerity-led welfare reforms involves more than concepts of accommodation and pathways in or out of homelessness. Seen in this way, a homeless person in the contemporary political climate can be understood through reference to the concept of the “Homo Sacer” (the “accused man”) in Roman law. Homo Sacer is a person who is banned from Roman society and may be killed by Roman citizens and slaves, but may not be sacrificed in a religious ritual having been deemed impure for such ends. Therefore, one may argue that homeless people in the context of austerity politics are comparable to the Homo Sacer – i.e. a group who are punished by political practices and silenced from the political arena.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Academic paper on austerity and homelessness, 2020
Homelessness under austerity is framed as a social exclusion akin to the Roman “Homo Sacer,” a person denied rights and silenced by law.
In simple terms: Homeless people are treated as outcasts, excluded from political voice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge policies that marginalize vulnerable groups.
Themes
social exclusion
political theory
human rights
poverty
law
Mood
critical
empathetic
Type
analytical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- urban planning
- advocacy campaigns
- public debates
Key Concepts
Homo Sacer
state power
neoliberalism
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do austerity measures specifically affect homeless populations?
- What legal protections could counteract this exclusion?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify diverse experiences of homelessness.
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