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Causes and characteristics of the street child phenomenon: a global perspective

J le Roux1, C S Smith

  • 1Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.

Adolescence
|December 1, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Street children face global challenges including maltreatment and exploitation. This study examines the causes, characteristics, and specific circumstances of street children worldwide, highlighting this escalating issue.

Area of Science:

  • Social Sciences
  • Urban Studies
  • Global Health

Background:

  • The phenomenon of street children is a growing global concern.
  • Street children are vulnerable to maltreatment, imprisonment, and violence.
  • This issue stems from complex urban environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying causes of the street child phenomenon.
  • To identify the common characteristics of children living on the streets globally.
  • To analyze the specific situations of street children in diverse regions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on the street child phenomenon.
  • Comparative analysis of regional case studies.
  • Synthesis of global data on street children's demographics and conditions.

Main Results:

  • Identified multifaceted causes including poverty, family breakdown, and lack of social support.
  • Characterized street children by vulnerability, resilience, and diverse survival strategies.
  • Highlighted regional disparities in the challenges and circumstances faced by street children.

Conclusions:

  • Street children represent a critical global challenge requiring urgent, multifaceted interventions.
  • Understanding the causes and characteristics is crucial for developing effective support systems.
  • Addressing the street child phenomenon necessitates coordinated international and local efforts.

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