A Qualitative Analysis of the Effects of Social Protection Programs for Street Children on Social Cohesion in Kenya

Eliud Okumu Ongowo ()
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Eliud Okumu Ongowo: Egerton University

The European Journal of Development Research, 2022, vol. 34, issue 3, No 6, 1308-1319

Abstract: Abstract Globally, over 100 million children are living on the street, most of them in less developed countries, and the number is expected to rise as countries urbanize (Endris and Sitota in Int J Educ Liter Stud 7:94–99, 2019; Raemdonck and Seedat-Khan in Child Fam Soc Work 23:297–306, 2017). These children face numerous problems on the streets including but not limited to abuse, neglect, stigma, and social exclusion. This paper examined the role of social protection in building social cohesion using a comprehensive qualitative content analysis. The study affirmed that social protection for street children builds social cohesion. Male street children who are beneficiaries of social protection program reciprocated by supporting others developed self-esteem and built relationship across socio-cultural barriers. The female counterparts on the other hand reported providing in-kind services, built relationships with their families, and created platforms to mentor other girls. The children have managed to reduce public resentment and developed a sense of belonging. The study has demonstrated the value of social protection for street children and the resultant social cohesion.

Keywords: Social protection; Social cohesion; Social inequality; Street children (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1057/s41287-022-00527-z

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