📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide: The Role of Social Safety Nets in Reducing Homelessness

🌐 Introduction to the Topic

Opening Context: “In an era marked by economic disparities and urban expansion, social safety nets play a pivotal role in addressing homelessness, a pressing issue affecting millions worldwide.”

Background: Social safety nets include government and non-government initiatives like housing subsidies, unemployment benefits, and food assistance programs designed to prevent extreme poverty. Historically, models such as the U.S. New Deal and Scandinavian welfare systems have been significant in alleviating homelessness.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• Global Homeless Population: Over 150 million people experience homelessness globally (UN-Habitat, 2023).
• India’s Homeless Population: 1.7 million, primarily in urban areas (Census 2011, projected estimates 2024).
• Shelter Programs: India’s PMAY-U (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban) sanctioned 1.2 crore houses since 2015, of which 72 lakh have been completed.
• Budget Allocation: The U.S. allocated $2.7 billion to the Continuum of Care program in 2023, focusing on permanent housing solutions.

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Government: Implements housing policies, subsidies, and emergency shelters.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Operate food banks, provide temporary shelters, and advocate for policy changes.
• Private Sector: Invests in affordable housing and urban development projects.
• Citizens: Volunteer initiatives and community-driven solutions like “Housing First” models.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

✅ Achievements

• Housing First Model: Proven success in reducing chronic homelessness by 50% in Finland since 2008.
• PMAY-U Impact: Increased access to affordable housing for over 10 million beneficiaries in India.
• U.S. Initiatives: Programs like Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers reduce evictions by 30%.
• Global Best Practices: Scandinavian welfare models achieve near-zero homelessness through universal social safety nets.

⚠️ Challenges

• Funding Constraints: Inadequate funding in low-income countries limits program reach.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Rural homelessness remains under-addressed globally.
• Social Stigma: Societal biases against the homeless hinder access to services.

🌍 Global Comparisons and Case Studies

• Success Story: Finland’s “Housing First” offers unconditional housing, achieving significant reductions in homelessness.
• Challenge Case: In the U.S., over 40% of homeless adults have unmet mental health needs, exacerbating the crisis.
• India Case Study: Delhi’s Rain Basera shelters provide night shelters for 21,000 people annually.
• U.K. Case Study: Rough Sleepers Initiative reduced street homelessness by 37% between 2019–2023.

📚 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• Supporting Stance: “Social safety nets effectively reduce homelessness by providing critical resources and stability, as seen in Finland and India.”
• Opposing Stance: “Despite investments, homelessness persists due to systemic issues like mental health gaps and rising housing costs.”
• Balanced Perspective: “Social safety nets address homelessness but require holistic approaches, including mental health services and job training.”

💡 Effective Discussion Approaches

• Opening Techniques:
  • Data-Driven: “With over 150 million homeless globally, social safety nets are crucial in combating this crisis.”
  • Case Example: “Finland’s success story underscores the potential of unconditional housing models.”
  • Contrast: “While many countries have safety nets, their limited reach often fails to end homelessness.”
• Counter-Argument Handling:
  • “While funding is limited, public-private partnerships can bridge resource gaps.”
  • “Addressing root causes like unemployment and mental health is as vital as providing housing.”

🔍 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Proven international success, significant budget allocations, scalable housing solutions.
• Weaknesses: Resource inefficiency, societal stigmas, mental health service gaps.
• Opportunities: Global cooperation, AI-based resource allocation, increased private investment.
• Threats: Economic recessions, natural disasters increasing homelessness rates.

📈 Connecting with B-School Applications

• Real-World Applications: Housing policy reform, public-private partnerships, social entrepreneurship.
• Sample Questions:
  • “How can India emulate Finland’s success in addressing homelessness?”
  • “What role can private investors play in reducing homelessness?”
• Insights for Students: Analyze welfare economics, create sustainable housing models, and engage in community-driven initiatives.