Work

Dissecting how ideological orientations predict attributions and policy attitudes toward unhoused individuals

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Across two cross‐sectional samples ( N‐ total = 612), we examined how people's ideological orientations related to their attributions about the causes of homelessness, and how these attributions relate to policy preferences. In both studies, we assessed eight ideological orientations, four domains of attributions about homelessness, and three domains of policy attitudes. In Study 1, we measured attributions using self‐report scales, whereas in Study 2 we measured qualitative answers that were coded using a large language model (ChatGPT 4o). Across both studies, stronger right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) and protestant work ethic (PWE) related to endorsing more individualistic attributions for homelessness, while stronger conservatism related to less endorsement of structural attributions. Lower endorsement of structural attributions related to less support for economic policies to address homelessness in society. Theoretical and practical applications of these findings are discussed, along with limitations and future directions.

Source: Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy

DOI: 10.1111/asap.70062

Authors: Jonathan Sundby, Joseph Wagoner, Jonathan Morgan

Institutions: University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Center for Mind and Culture

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,470