Reconceptualization of “People Experiencing Homelessness” in Chile: A Proposal Using the Radial Categories Method

In recent years, the State of Chile redefined the concept of "people experiencing homelessness," making progress in issues of inclusion and a more comprehensive approach to the phenomenon. However, this process may have been hindered by the issue of "conceptual stretching," which refers to the expansion of the concept beyond its original meaning, leading to imprecision in its definition and understanding. This imprecision complicated the formulation and implementation of effective public policies, as the current definitions failed to adequately capture the diverse manifestations of homelessness. To address this problem, the objective of the article was to propose a reconceptualization of the term using the radial categories methodology, with the goal of enhancing its clarity and utility in practice. To achieve this, a comparative review of definitions in both national and international contexts was conducted, identifying key categories that revolve around the core of the concept. Through this approach, a more precise conceptual framework was developed, which could improve the capacity of public policies to address the needs and challenges of people experiencing homelessness. The results showed that this reconceptualization provided a clearer and more appropriate tool for social intervention, highlighting its implications for both public policy and intervention strategies.