Social Capital as Survival Mechanism: The Case of Selected Female Street Children and Youth in Bole and Kirkos Sub-Cities. Addis Ababa.
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the role of social capital in the survival
mechanisms of female street children/youth, and challenges they encounter on the streets and
how they manage to survive regardless of the challenges they are facing. The study employed
qualitative research design, which is suitable for studying complex issues like social capital. The
methodological inquiry was a phenomenological approach. This research approach was
appropriate to understand the complexities of the phenomenon in the course of the experiences,
perceptions and perspectives from a holistic standpoint. Data collection through Semi structured
question, focus group discussions and observation were used to contextualize their everyday
lives to reveal their abilities as citizens. The sample size for this study especially for the in depth
interviews was 10female street children and youth age between 15-24 years who live in around
'Kirkos ' and 'Bole' Sub-cities streets in Addis Ababa. The data was analyzed using the themes
and categories that have emerged from fieldwork and research questions using triangulation.
Triangulation for this research was employed in a number of ways: in terms of the different
theoretical perspectives discussed in the literature; in terms of the different methods of data
collection used; in terms of the diversity of sources of information; and in terms of the different
methods of analysis used. The research finding shows that through their social network, seen as
social capital, female street children and youth are able to develop survival mechanisms that
sustain their lives in the absence of parents. Based on the accounts from females, the study
documents that cultural norms and gender labels put females at an inconvenience position as
they have limited social capital and they are generally more vulnerable than males. Considering
the finding of this study, the researcher recommended that the need of social work intervention in
the advocacy of female street children and youth as a venerable street group. While influencing
the policy maker to issue a new policy and to suggest needs of establishing a selfgoverning
agency and need jilrther study for fully understand their life in order to guide the service
provided for them and in the long run to move them out from the streets.
Key Words: Social capital, survival mechanism, street, female street children and youth
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Keywords
Social capital, survival mechanism, street, female street childrenand youth