This study was carried out with an aim to map the socio-economic realities of street children in Jaipur city, India. In-depth interviews were conducted in a “casual-conversation” manner with 200 street children, profiles of their background, incidence of migration, familial contacts, clothing and food, work experiences, play and entertainment, personal habits, peer interaction, attitudes toward self, family and society; and aspirations and expectations were studied. The field scenario indicated that majority of street children were boys (71%) and in 8–12 years age group. Incidence of migration was observed and 70.5% of these children lived with their families. Gambling, watching films and television; smoking and drinking, and taking drugs were common modes of entertainment and relaxation for these children. The results throw light on significant developmental concerns which emerge from the socialisation of street children in India, and draw a parallel with the findings of research studies carried out in different parts of the world to strike common ground for theory building and practice.
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