Ask Lemmy

It depends very much on the country, county or even town where you live. For instance, in some countries there is no safety net at all for poor people, in other countries there are programs to stop homelessness (for instance Finland). In Germany, in general charitable organization advice to give some coins and to talk with beggars, in the UK the advice is NOT to that. Some towns may be flooded by beggars for whatever reason. Some areas (especially tourist hotspots) can be the target of “professional” gangs that manage beggars, which are brought into the towns by bus. I read an article in a US paper, that many beggars are queer people, expelled by their Bible Belt conservative “Christian” families. Taken together you should investigate this per locale. The argument “you’re too lazy to work” usually doesn’t fly: true beggars in many cases have critical mental issues (depression etc) caused by, or the reason for, them living on the street. Many tourists traveling back home, give their final coins to beggars - this is critical, as professional gangs quickly move in to use this as a money making machine. So, sorry, no easy answer! On a personal note: I’m not religious, so I have high moral standards, and I do give money to beggars in my area regularly.

The most direct way to help people is to give them money. Nitpicking over what they "might" spend it on is horseshit, they know what they need better than you do. Frankly, if y'all were sleeping outside you'd probably want to be high or drunk as well.

If they had a better way to get five dollars, tbey wouldn't be begging for it on the street. I don't care if they're "going to spend it on drugs" (though I'd love to know where I can get drugs for five dollars), their choices are obviously limited and shitty. And "not being a solution to a widespread systemic issue" isn't a reason not to help the real human being right in front of me.

I give money to beggars because I picture myself in their place. Not for religious reasons, I'm not religious. It's just basic human decency.

The "best" choice is probably to give money to responsible shelters and supporting programs to reintigrate homeless into society.
I do give sometimes money to homeless, its dependent on it i have change and mood.

I know its not the best course of action but i will probably simply continue doing that until someone throws some scientific papers about me at it (because thinking about it too much is depressing to me)

I used to give money to beggars, but after having a couple bad experiences mostly in my early 20s, I just tell them bluntly nowadays that I don't give my money away.

I'll vote for homeless shelters and better social programs, but giving it away on the spot is a fool's errand imo.

i prefer to give them things, like food or water than outright giving them money.

Every situtation is different, but in general, It's the same as the "innocent until proven guilty" concept: I'd rather give money to someone whose being dishonest than not give it to someone who really needs it. Cause I appreciate how close ANY of us are to homelessness and destitution in this world. My own generosity is my own generosity, not determined by the honesty, or lack thereof, of others.

I will help anyone who asks for help if it is in my capacity. I know many people who have had to sleep on the street at some time in their lives. It would seem that you have lived sheltered from such things, going from your extremely loaded language and apparent ignorance. Maybe try engaging.

The term “beggar” carries significant social, historical, and ethical baggage, and using it can raise several concerns, especially in contemporary discussions around poverty, homelessness, and social justice.

1. Dehumanization and Reductionism

   Concern: The term defines a person solely by their economic condition or behavior, rather than as a complex individual.

   Example: Saying “a beggar” instead of “a person who is unhoused and asking for help” reduces their identity to a single desperate act, often erasing context like trauma, systemic failure, or disability.

2. Stigmatization and Shame

   Concern: “Beggar” has strong negative connotations, often associated with laziness, fraud, or failure, regardless of the reality.

   Social impact: This contributes to public hostility or apathy toward people experiencing poverty, reinforcing stereotypes that they are undeserving of compassion or aid.

3. Historical and Cultural Bias

   Concern: In many cultures, “begging” has been treated as morally suspect or even criminal. In some legal systems, "vagrancy" laws were used to target marginalized communities.

   Implication: Using the term today without awareness of this history can echo punitive or classist attitudes.

4. Lack of Structural Awareness

   Concern: The term “beggar” often implies personal failure, obscuring systemic issues like:

•    Lack of affordable housing
  

•    Mental health service gaps
  

•    Underemployment or exploitative labor
  

•    Racialized poverty and intergenerational trauma
  

  Result: It discourages deeper reflection or policy solutions by framing poverty as an individual problem.

5. Alternative Language and Framing

   Many prefer phrases like:

•    “Unhoused person”
  

•    “Person experiencing homelessness”
  

•    “Person asking for assistance”
  

  These terms are person-first and focus on circumstances rather than character judgment.

Summary

Using “beggar” can be perceived as outdated, pejorative, and lacking empathy. In thoughtful or inclusive contexts—especially academic, activist, or journalistic—it is generally advised to choose language that centers the humanity and complexity of individuals rather than casting them as social burdens.