NCJ Number
169478
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study presents data on young people who live on the streets and analyzes the link between gender and homelessness.
Abstract
Worldwide, there are approximately 100 million children who live on city streets without care or shelter. A theory of structured violence is helpful in understanding youth homelessness. The theory argues that a pervasive imbalance of power between men and women in contemporary society legitimates the application of violent forms of control and perpetuates both inequality and suffering among the powerless, i.e., women and children. In contrast to expressive theories of violence, which regard violence as a manifestation of stress, arousal or affect, instrumental theories focus on the behavioral rewards of the violence. These rewards generally are enhanced status, coercive control, obedience and gaining approval or material resources. Violence, for males, is outcome-oriented; its objectives are to improve self-esteem and to establish control over others. The paper argues that the frequency and volume of violence directed at children in the family, and their perceived need to escape in order to survive, is a critical factor in producing youth homelessness. The article examines the special dangers facing young women on the streets, including prostitution, drugs and some of the same types of violence they left home to escape. References