7: Discussion

This chapter explores the experiences of Polish homeless migrants in the United Kingdom, focusing on how public attitudes, government policies and social structures shape their lives. It examines the intersection of homelessness and migration, highlighting how societal classifications determine who belongs and who is excluded. Attitudes towards migration influence housing, healthcare and employment access, shifting with economic conditions and political climates.

This chapter also addresses the internal dynamics within the Polish homeless community, where distinctions of ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ help mirror broader societal divisions. Using Elias and Scotson’s (1994) theory of ‘The Established and the Outsiders’, it analyses how power dynamics between homeless individuals and service providers reinforce cycles of exclusion. By illustrating the marginalisation faced by Polish homeless migrants, this chapter challenges the notion that homelessness is a standalone issue. It argues that homelessness is deeply connected to race, class and migration and calls for a more inclusive understanding of belonging that recognises structural barriers and promotes greater social inclusion.