From your responses, here is the current skeleton of the research idea. More informative?

[caerbannogbunny]

Research Idea: Military Experience and Homelessness.

Rationale: Military anti-recruitment and other groups cite a higher proportion of military veterans in the homeless population. Their take is the military produces "damaged goods" unable to adapt to civilian life after the military. I propose-if a difference in proportion exists-such a

Comments

[lometa]

Thesis statements aren't restricted to creative writing. They are a useful tool in all kinds of works including scientific, sociological and so on. The basic ideas is to help readers link your ideas together. A single declarative sentence that states what you want your readers to know, believe, or understand after having read the hypotheses will go a longer way towards the discussion you may be hoping to have.

I agree a large number of those who are homeless are this way because of the limited options they have available. In the 1970's mental institutions were closed across the United States and their residents found it difficult to transition so many ended up on the streets which meant freedom for them in the eyes of the advocates for closing them. It was the era of the One Few Over the Cuckoo's Nest and it was as bitter as it was sweet. The downside was that many ended up in the streets where they have to rely on the ER for care. Many others ended up in prisons. The fact that many Vets have an honor code may speak to why there are so many on the streets and very few inthe prissons. They stick together and support each other. Another downside has been the increase in costs to society for taking care of the homeless. There is a tangentially related study on a PDF out of New York that you may find interesting.

http://tinyurl.com/yblvrqd

Finally, military anti-recruitmenters and other groups are full of hoo hah with that kind of thinking. I was born and raised in the USAF and know a lot of military brats, most of whom are a far cry from "damaged goods." I was sitting in the BX the other day which reminds me a lot of WalMart. The thing that stood out most to me is that in our military society we don't need video cameras to keep an eye on shop lifters like the civilian retailers do.

[caerbannogbunny]

True. I'm finishing up an undergrad degree and this semester has been all about the research mindset--experimental psych and research techniques in animal behavior--so the idea of a thesis statement makes me think of English classes and not the anthro/psych/biology I've been focused on.

So, sociology isn't my angle and the closest I've gotten to it was two women's studies classes I took for "awareness area" credit. The inclusive "social caste/class/environment causes all behavior" bent just doesn't do it for me as well as the idea people all think alike if you put them in the same situation. So, I have a "test it and see" attitude.

I also--courtesy of an anthro background--take a more holistic approach to rule creation and violation as far as how people live. So, the idea of an honor code among vets and taking care of their own isn't a strange reason to me to be a basis of a behavioral difference.

Whether or not I or someone I know gets to/does such a project is a big question, but I think it would be cool to see it done and actually find out.