A Construçao social da criança de rua: um estudo sobre as percepções e praticas relacionadas com a criança de rua em Moçambique

Abstract

In our day-to-day we hear about various realities, such as "woman;" "men;" "domestic violence;" "early marriage;" "Child labor;" “street child” and others. For all these realities we have tacit knowledge (at least we know what they are). What we don't always do is question what makes us “sure” that these realities are as we think they are. It is in this context that the present work emerges with a view to trying to understand how the “official speech” about the “street child” gains substance. in other words, of what \f way the knowledge about the “street child” reality becomes “normal.” Focusing on what we call “official discourse” (governmental, NGO's, academics and other institutions) we hypothesize that there are four analytical moments that lead to the normalization of the “street child” reality. The analytical moments were, namely stock/stocZ: social knowledge; institutionalization; legitimization and normalization of the “street child” reality. We advance the idea that, behind the aforementioned analytical moments, there are perceptions and practices related to what is expected of a “child.” The way in which the “street child” is perceived results from the perception that a “normal” child should live in a house with relatives or protectors, and not on the street; must study; etc. Hence, there are practices that aim to prevent "children" from becoming "street children" and, those who have already become, (re)integrate them into society (since it is assumed that they are "marginal" to it) . As a conclusion (unfinished) we have the idea that the “street child” does not exist as an essence or as something “natural”, but as a result of a social construction.