Social networks for survival among working children in Addis Ababa

Abstract

In this article, we examine the social networks that enable working children on the streets of Addis Ababa to cope and exercise agency under adverse circumstances. Based on qualitative interviews with 45 children, we explore how they take part in new and existing social networks. We analyse the work of social networks and explain how they help the individual child to attain physical and economic security, secure living quarters, food supply, and formal and informal schooling. Finally, we discuss to what extent the networks can be considered as social capital for the children.

Aspirations and Setbacks of Working Children in Addis Ababa: Can They Realise Their Futures?

“…Woodhead (2009) argues that in some contexts, child work could also be a risk since it may interfere with other necessary engagements that a child needs such as schooling. Here we share Crivello and Boyden's (2014) contention that risk for the children in our study cannot be characterised as a one-off crisis, but a day-to-day experience to which children must respond and negotiate in various encounters.…”

“…If I take it from my bank , I may not put it back’. Another form of saving is joining the iqub (Eriksen and Mulugeta, ), which is a well‐known traditional savings group in Ethiopia. In line with Conticini ()’s contention, we argue that the children in our study use their money, as well as time, wisely.…”

“…I asked my mother to give me 10 Birr and started to buy and sell things’. The children accessed their social networks and were able to start their work (Abebe, ; Eriksen and Mulugeta, ). Nesru (a 16‐year‐old boy) indicated that it was his classmates that showed him where in Merkato , the biggest market, to buy the goods to sell.…”

“…When we talk about resilience, a related concept is risk, since risk triggers responses that either result in resilience or failure to adapt or recover from crises, which is also referred to as negative adaptation (Luthar andZelazo, 2003 cited in Woodhead, 2009). Crises such as poverty (Crivello and Boyden, 2014), dysfunctional family, abuse, family displacement and health problems such as HIV/AIDS could be considered risks. Woodhead (2009) argues that in some contexts, child work could also be a risk since it may interfere with other necessary engagements that a child needs such as schooling.…”

“…Work is usually combined with school, since education is highly valued and considered an important indication of well-being by both children and parents (Orkin, 2012). For poor children, education is seen as an investment for the future and a means to securing a decent life in adulthood (Chuta and Crivello, 2013;Crivello and Boyden, 2014;Harden, Backett-Milburn, MacLean and Jamieson, 2013).…”