NEGLECT AND STIGMA: UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS AND MULTIPLE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION ON CHILDREN FROM DRUG-ABUSING PARENTS

Abstract

Children growing up with drug-abusing parents are at high risk of experiencing social ostracism from their social environment. Therefore, the aim of this research is to construct a theory based on these children’s experiences in facing the process of social exclusion and to identify the multiple impacts of social exclusion on them. The study was conducted in the fishing community in the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Furthermore, grounded theory was selected as the study method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. The total number of participants was 41, selected purposively. The basic finding of this study showed that neglect and stigma were the characteristics of social exclusion experienced by children from drug-abusing parents in the fishing community; this usually occurred in three loci, namely family, neighbourhood and school environments. Children experiencing neglect and stigma as a result of drug issues within their family involving both parents (mother and father) will undergo a range of broader impacts of social exclusion, compared to only one parent (father) using drugs. The findings of this research can be directly applied in social work practice to develop more effective interventions and policies to support children from families of drug users in facing social exclusion.