IntroductionSociology, “the scientific study of society and human behavior” (Henslin, Glenday, Duffy, & Pupo, 2009) includes five distinct perspectives allowing you to observe people and their interactions. with each other in society. These perspectives are particular observations placed within a conceptual framework which thereby creates five sociological theories through which reality is interpreted in distinct ways. This article will seek to analyze Edmonton's homeless population through the functionalist perspective which is "based on the assumption that society is a stable and ordered system" (Kendall, Linden and Murray, 2008) and will examine the functioning of a group as a whole, with each part linked to a whole. This article will take into consideration both the homeless person and the society in which they live; it will explore the causes of homelessness and how it affects an individual as well as the impact of homelessness on Edmonton society. Additionally, this article will examine some potential solutions to homelessness from a functionalist perspective that will bring the individual and society into a harmonious balance. Causes of HomelessnessAccording to a publication prepared by the Edmonton Committee to End Homelessness, there are 6 systemic causes or risk factors that, alone or combined, can push an individual and sometimes an entire family into homelessness. Poverty is one of the main factors contributing to homelessness. While part of society may succeed through an economic recovery, others, who were already in an unstable financial situation, will find themselves fleeing to keep up or find themselves completely engulfed in debt. When an economy is perceived to be strong, prices rise middle of paper...... things all Canadians should know about our country. Emblem Editions. Kendall, D., Linden, R., & Murray, J.L. (2008). Sociology in our time: the essentials. Toronto, ON. : Nelson Education Ltd. Justyna Zaprawa (ID number 0211548) 10 Sorensen, M. PhD. (November 2010). Edmonton Homeless Count 2010. In Homeward TrustEdmonton. Retrieved March 19, 2011 from http://homewardtrust.ca/uploads/Homeless%20Count%202010%20Report%20NOV%2012%202010.pdfUnknown. (January 2009). A home. Inside Edmonton's 10-year plan to end homelessness. Retrieved March 19, 2011 from http://www.endedmontonhomelessness.com/docs/report_NoSpreads_ForWebDownload_jan26-2009_000.pdf.Unknown. (December 2009). City of Edmonton. In the 2009 Annual Report. Accessed March 19, 2011 at http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/2009_Financial_and_Operational_Annual_Report(1).pdf.