Original Articles

Poverty: Narratives and Experiences of Street Children in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 20 , issue 2 , 2010 , pages: 199–202

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2010.10820364

Author(s): Regis Chireshe Walter Sisulu University, South Africa , Jay M. M. Jadezweni Walter Sisulu University, South Africa , Mzwamadoda Cekiso Walter Sisulu University, South Africa , Cosmas Maphosa Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Keywords: poverty , experiences , street children , Mthatha , South Africa

Download full text Get new issue alerts

Abstract

The study sought to establish street children's lived experiences and notions of poverty. A sample of 17 street children participated in the study (age range = 9 to 18 years; males = 15, females = 2). An in-depth interview was conduct with each participant. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results revealed that street children experienced stigmatisation and humiliation from the general public. They perceived to be abused also by fellow street children, the police and security guards.

« The Impact of Poverty on Women's Psychosocial Well-being: Narratives from Zimbabwean Migrant Women in South Africa

Poverty and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Psychological Well-being »