Rethinking Research on Forming Typologies of Homelessness

In homelessness research and policymaking, it seems to be axiomatic that single adults experience 3 temporally based types of homelessness: chronic, episodic, and transitional. We discuss problems with the theorization of this typology and with the research design, data analysis, and time-aggregated conceptualization and measurement of temporality in the empirical work supporting the typology. To address the latter, we suggest a time-patterned approach to temporality and report a 10-group typology that differs significantly from the more familiar 3-group typology. We argue that which approach is used-and how typologies are developed more generally-should be based on theory and the uses to which typologies are put rather than on claims to being more true. (Am J Public Health. 2011;101: 596-601. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.300074)