Hacia una construcción de una concepción psico-sociocultural de niñas y jóvenes mexicanas en situación de calle: Una aproximación cualitativa

Abstract

Homeless women are one of the most vulnerable groups world-wide since they are victims of labor and sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination and marginalization at a higher rate than the rest of the population. However, currently, Mexico lacks of an accurate definition of such social group, and their characteristics as well as the magnitude and dimensions of the phenomenon are only partially and superficially known. The purpose of this research was to develop and validate a typology of homeless girls living in Mexico City. To fulfill this purpose, 300 in-depth interviews were conducted and examined thoroughly with a systematic analysis of the content. The main results indicate that Mexican homeless girls constitute a social group immersed predominantly in circumstances of violence, marginalization, poverty and social exclusion. Also, this collective includes two sub-groups: girls at risk of homelessness, and girls who are emergency sheltered, unsheltered or absolutely homeless and living in places not intended for human habitation. With this typology it is possible to define, characterize and distinguish Mexican homeless girls. In addition, the phenomenon can be known with more certainty and accuracy enabling, thus, the design of effective treatment strategies.