Adult Stigmatization and the Hidden Power of Homeless Children in Russia¹

Clementine Fujimura
United States Naval Academy

Citation Note: Fujimura, Clementine. “Adult Stigmatization and the Hidden Power of Homeless Children in Russia.” Children, Youth and Environments 13(1), Spring 2003. Retrieved [date] from http://colorado.edu/journals/cye.

Abstract

Abandoned by their families and the state, Russian homeless children have found power in the culture of street life. This study uncovers the hidden strength abandoned children feel in the context of Russia’s social instability and neglect of orphans. Traditional means to care for orphans and street children have not helped these children to succeed in Russian society. It is the belief of this author that marginalization of abandoned children will end when their emotional as well as physical needs are met appropriately and their true spirit is acknowledged.

Key words: Homeless children, orphans, juvenile delinquency, marginalization, Russian culture