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The Creation of Street Families Among Homeless Youth

Arizona State University, Tempe

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 30 homeless youth, this study depicts a unique aspect of homeless youth street culture—the formation of "street families." This article examines youth's motivations for creating street families, their organization and maintenance, and the role gender plays in adopting familial identities. Although many homeless adolescents come from dysfunctional families, street family members often recreate traditional family roles. Membership often mitigates the demands of street life, yet intragroup violence/victimization is common. The findings highlight the unique nature of street families and implications for research, policy, and practice, including the need for involving peers in intervention efforts.

Key Words: homeless youth • street families • social networks • youth street culture

American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 51, No. 6, 756-771 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0002764207311986


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