Socialisation of Street Children in India

Abstract

This study was carried out with an aim to map the socio-economic realities of street children in Jaipur city, India. In-depth interviews were conducted in a “casual-conversation” manner with 200 street children, profiles of their background, incidence of migration, familial contacts, clothing and food, work experiences, play and entertainment, personal habits, peer interaction, attitudes toward self, family and society; and aspirations and expectations were studied. The field scenario indicated that majority of street children were boys (71%) and in 8–12 years age group. Incidence of migration was observed and 70.5% of these children lived with their families. Gambling, watching films and television; smoking and drinking, and taking drugs were common modes of entertainment and relaxation for these children. The results throw light on significant developmental concerns which emerge from the socialisation of street children in India, and draw a parallel with the findings of research studies carried out in different parts of the world to strike common ground for theory building and practice.

Sociologies of India's missing children

“…Missing children, most of whom are usually but not necessarily from penurious families, remain at high risk of becoming victims to avaricious criminal activities: bonded labor, domestic help, trafficked and forced into begging or sex work, or for illegal organ trade (Ghosh, ; Mishra, ; Malhotra & Malhotra, ; Mamidi & Mamidi, ; Sen & Nair, ; Sarkar, ; also, Bhattacharyya, 2015c). Sources also report that some children from both urban and rural poor households run away from their homes to escape poverty and (or) physical abuse (Mathur, ; Mathur, Rathore, & Mathur, ; Tiwary, ).…”

Cross-sectional comparative study of socio-demographic and health profile of children in a NGO- run open house and street children in a metropolitan city

“…A Jaipur-based study found that the common modes of entertainment and relaxation for street children were gambling, watching movies, and consuming tobacco, alcohol and drugs. 1 A community-based cross-sectional study on Kolkata city street children reported 30% prevalence of non-tobacco substance use and the factors associated with substance use were young age, lack of contact with family, orphan children, and night stay at public place.…”

“…There are wide discrepancies in the estimates of street children globally and in the developing countries. 1 Estimating the number of street children living in India is a complex task due to frequent changes in their places of residence and workplaces and their itinerant lifestyles. 2 A Jaipur-based study reported that street children were subjected to five types of abuse: general abuse and neglect, health abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse and that older children and children with higher incomes were abused more than younger children and children with lower incomes.…”

“It’s Only a Game of Chance”: A Portrait of Gambling Among Street Children in Mumbai

“…A study mapping the socioeconomic realities of street children in Jaipur, India, reveals that the common modes of entertainment and recreation for street children include gambling, watching films/television, smoking, drinking, and drugs (Mathur, 2009). Participation in such behavior not only builds their street persona but offers an escape from anxiety, frustration, trauma, and victimization.…”