[Exclusion] by [Inclusion]?: About the Problem of Idée Fixe

Abstract

This research problematizes the application of [society] as concept and following a metaphorical ‘displacement’ of homeless people by narrating three stories by homeless men. The premise that alleged [exclusion] requires the application of an alleged knowable and fixed space - namely [society] – and that such a negative descriptive is de facto constitutive of [society] will be elaborated in this research. In this theoretical and explorative study in which among other Foucault, Deleuze and Derrida will be consulted, U.S. literature on biopolitics and homelessness is compared to Dutch practices and inter alia a rather literal take from some U.S. scholars on Foucaults biopolitical notion of ‘letting die’ is problematized and compared to less radical problems in European (post-)welfarestates: a relevant problem in this research is the belief in the manageability of persistent problems surrounding homeless people. The author is on the one hand applying liberal humanistic ideals, operationalized in for example a dialogical and open attitude towards homelessness but on the other hand comes to terms throughout this study with biopolitical developments, such as an increasing criminalization of homelessness. Throughout this work its research and its writings will be perpetually considered performative acts and as such scrutinized. Therefore this research has an unconventional approach at times.