Social work, gender and female homelessness in low-threshold day centres

This thesis focuses on the approaches of social workers at low-threshold centers for homeless people to the gender of their clients and how this is taken into account in professional practice. The aim of the thesis is to find out how center staff reflect the gender of their clients in their practice. This goal was achieved through qualitative research consisting of semi- structured interviews with workers at low-threshold day centers for homeless people and substance users. The research shows that the initial approach of workers to clients does not differ significantly according to their gender. However, there are certain nuances that point to different approaches to female and male gender, in which the characteristics of the capability approach and trauma-sensitive approach can be recognized. A more protective approach is applied to female clients, while a more activating approach is applied to male clients. The results of the research can contribute to a better understanding of the specifics of female homelessness and support the application of gender-sensitive principles in the professional practice of social workers in low-threshold facilities. Key words: gender - gender roles - homelessness - homeless woman - drop-in center - social work methods