How Relevant is the Sociological Imagination for Understanding Contemporary Australian Society

Introduction

Homelessness in Melbourne is a pernicious social problem.  It pervades every city in Australia.  It causes death and infirmity for hundreds of citizens. Due to low structural availability, vulnerable individuals are prevented from entering safe and non-violent environments.  Low investment from government, and gentrification of Melbourne’s suburbs, contribute to unavailability of suitable accommodation for vulnerable people, particularly victims of family violence, the highest contributor to the homeless population. The sociological imagination gives us tools to ascertain how structure and agency determine the nature of homelessness. The sociological imagination, allows us to link structure and agency as contingent causes of homelessness, asking is it possible to draw from these observations any meaningful conclusions?