Definir para gobernar: políticas dirigidas a niños, niñas y adolescentes en situación de calle en Uruguay / Policies of government of the homeless childhood and adolescence / Definir apara Governar: políticas do governo uruguaio para crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua

Resumen (analítico): Este artículo presenta resultados de un estudio realizado en la ciudad de Montevideo, acerca de cómo se construye la noción de sujeto de atención en las políticas dirigidas a niños, niñas y adolescentes en situación de calle. A partir de los estudios de gubernamentalidad se analizan las estrategias y técnicas de gestión del problema, desde la visión de los cargos de dirección de las políticas y de trabajadores de un proyecto que realiza la atención directa en territorio. Siguiendo un enfoque metodológico cualitativo se realiza una cartografía social con técnicas de observación participante y entrevistas semi-dirigidas. Concluimos que la definición del sujeto es el resultado de un proceso constante e inacabado, en donde intervienen una serie de elementos heterogéneos que es necesario hacer visibles.

Abstract (analytical): This article presents the results of a study implemented in the city of Montevideo on how government policies define the subject that receives assistance, the target population for social policies for street children is constructed. After studying the policies developed for this population, the strategies and techniques for managing the problem are analyzed through work of the people that guide the policies as well as staff that provide direct assistance in the territory. Using a qualitative methodological approach, social cartography with participant observation techniques and semi-guided interviews were carried out. The authors conclude that the definition of the subject that receives assistance is the result of a constant and unfinished process that involves a series of heterogeneous elements that more people need to know about.

Resumo (analítico): Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo realizado na cidade de Montevidéu, sobre como é construída as noções de sujeito de atendimento das políticas dirigidas a crianças e adolescentes em uma situação de rua. A partir dos estudos de governabilidade, são analisadas as estratégias e técnicas de gestão do problema, a partir da visão das posições de direção das políticas e dos trabalhadores de um projeto que realiza a atenção direta no territorio. Seguindo uma abordagem metodológica qualitativa realiza-se uma cartografia social, utilizando técnicas de observação participante e entrevistas semi-direcionadas. Concluímos que a definição do sujeito é o resultado de um processo constante e inacabado, envolvendo uma série de elementos heterogêneos que devem ser visíveis.

Activo distribution and paraphernalia among "street children" / Distribución del activo y la parafernalia entre "niños de la calle"

Abstract Introduction The use of solvent inhalants has been documented in Mexico since the 1970s. Nevertheless, very little is known about the distribution and use dynamics among "street children". Few have ventured to study this issue because of the difficulties involved in working with marginalized, relatively inaccessible populations. Objective To analyze the distribution and consumption dynamics of activo, as it is known among street children in downtown Mexico City, and to document the paraphernalia and argot associated with these practices. Method This is a qualitative, descriptive, and interpretative study guided by the "Meeting Place" approach used by Hughes (1977), which has been adapted to Mexican population by Ortiz (1979). We also used ethnographic observation techniques and a social and immersion mapping of street spaces that allowed us to contact and relate to both informants and users. Results We identified activo distributors and storage areas; user groups were made up of men and women in a 7-3 ratio; physical and psycho-social characteristics of sellers and users, and some street argot and paraphernalia that allowed us to understand the dynamics of distribution and consumption. Discussion and conclusion The activo market is both captive and hidden; it is detrimental to the physical and mental health of street children, and is fostered by social exclusion and the lack of legislation.

Resumen Introducción El consumo de solventes inhalables se ha documentado en México desde la década de 1970; sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la dinámica de distribución y consumo entre los "niños de la calle". Este tema se ha estudiado poco por las dificultades inherentes al trabajo con poblaciones marginales y de difícil acceso. Objetivo Analizar la dinámica de distribución y consumo del "activo" entre los "niños de la calle" de la zona centro de la Ciudad de México, así como documentar la parafernalia y el argot asociados a estas prácticas. Método Es un estudio de tipo cualitativo, de carácter descriptivo-interpretativo, guiado por el enfoque llamado "Lugares de Reunión" empleado por Hughes (1977) y adaptado a población mexicana por Ortiz (1979). También se emplearon técnicas etnográficas de observación, mapeo social e inmersión en los espacios de calle, que sirvieron para contactar y establecer un vínculo con los informantes y consumidores. Resultados Se identifican distribuidores y zonas de almacenamiento del activo; grupos de consumidores formados por hombres y mujeres en una proporción de 7 a 3; signos físicos y características psicosociales de vendedores y usuarios, así como el argot y parafernalia; lo que permite comprender la dinámica de distribución y consumo. Discusión y conclusión El mercado del activo es cautivo y oculto, deteriora la salud física y mental de los "niños de la calle" y es promovido además por la exclusión social y la falta de legislación.

Granja-hogar La Huella para niños y adolescentes: fusión metodológica de involucramiento radical / The La Huella farm-home for children and adolescents: methodological fusion of radical involvement / Chácara e lar “La Huella” para crianças e adolescentes: fusão metodológica deenvolvimento radical

El objetivo del estudio fue considerar las claves del éxito del sistema educativo para niños, niñas y adolescentes del hogar La Huella en sus primeros 25 años. La experiencia es un referente, y el conocimiento de sus características puede aportar a la generación de nuevas prácticas con poblaciones juveniles. Se estudiaron materiales institucionales, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, y se analizaron los elementos centrales de la propuesta.El involucramiento personal de los educadores y el diseño de la experiencia resultaron claves en su éxito: la conjunción de ambiente de familia, vida comunitaria, referentes educativos estables, relación con la naturaleza, y educación en el trabajo doméstico y agrario.

Abstract (descriptive): The aim of the study was to consider the key elements of the success ofthe education system for children and adolescents in the La Huella home for street children in its first25 years. The experience is an important reference point, and awareness of its characteristics cancontribute to the generation of new practices with youth populations. Information materials producedby public institutions were collected and studied, a series semi-structured interviews were conductedand the central elements of the La Huella proposal were analyzed. The personal commitment of theeducators and the way in which the experience was designed were key to its success. The projectinvolved the combination of a family environment, community life, stable educational staff, arelationship with nature and education in domestic and agricultural work.

O objetivo do estudo foi considerar as chaves do sucesso do sistema de educação para crianças e adolescentes do lar “La Huella” nos seus primeiros 25 anos. A experiência é uma referência, e o conhecimento de suas características pode contribuir para a geração de novas práticas com populações jovens. Materiais institucionais foram estudados, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, e os elementos centrais da proposta foram analisados. O envolvimento pessoal dos educadores e o desenho da experiência foram fundamentais para o seu sucesso: a combinação de ambiente familiar, vida comunitária, referentes educacionais estáveis,relacionamento com a natureza, e educação no trabalho doméstico e agrícola.

"Devemos continuar?" identidade, história e utopia do educador de rua / "Debemos seguir?" identidad, historia y utopia del educador de calle / "Should we continue?" identity, history and utopia of the street educator

Resumo O propósito deste trabalho foi refletir como os educadores de rua articulam o pensamento utópico com o pensamento histórico, a partir dos relatos de suas experiências ao longo de quinze anos. O sintagma identidade-metamorfose-emancipação (Ciampa, 2003) e os conceitos de pensamento utópico e pensamento histórico (Habermas, 1987) formam o arcabouço teórico que embasa a presente pesquisa. Utilizamos na coleta de dados a entrevista "não diretiva centrada" (Minayo, 1999). Observou-se que é possível articular história e utopia. O estudo indica que, para que essa articulação seja possível, é necessário que o sujeito tenha a flexibilidade de reinventar seus projetos utópicos, mudando assim de projeto emancipatório, mas não perdendo de vista a energia utópica que o move. Concluímos, também, que os profissionais que articularam os dois movimentos tendem a apresentar uma postura pós-convencional diante da vida.

Resumen El propósito del presente estudio ha sido reflejar cómo los educadores de la calle articulan el pensamiento utópico con el pensamiento histórico, a partir de los relatos de sus experiencias a lo largo de quince años. El marco teórico del trabajo es el sintagma "Identidad-metamorfosis-emancipación" de Ciampa (2003) y los conceptos del pensamiento utópico y pensamiento histórico de Habermas (1987). En la colección de datos se utilizó la técnica "no directiva centrada" (Minayo, 1999). Se observó que es posible articular la historia y la utopía. El estudio indica que para que sea posible, es necesario que el sujeto tenga flexibilidad para reinventar sus proyectos utópicos. Por lo tanto, se hace necesario el cambio de proyecto de emancipación, pero sin perder de vista la energía utópica que se le mueve. También se puede concluir que los profesionales que articulan esos dos movimientos tienden a tener una actitud post-convencional en sus vidas.

Abstract The purpose of this work was to reflect how street educators articulate utopian thinking with historical thinking, based on the reports of their experiences over fifteen years of practice. The theoretical framework used is based in the identity-metamorphosis-emancipation sintagma developed by Ciampa (2003) and in the notions of utopic thinking and historical thinking.(Habermas, 1987). The empirical research is based on interview classified by Minayo (1999) as "non directive centered". The observation revealed that it is possible to articulate history and utopia. The study indicates that whoever embraces the utopia thinking, and wants it to become reality, has to develop the flexibility to reinvent his own utopic projects, therefore changing his emancipatory project without losing the utopic perspective. We conclude also that those professionals who are able to articulate both movements tend to have a post-conventional stance in life.

Confiabilización de una Escala para Evaluar la Dimensión Social del Autoconcepto en Niños de la Calle

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo la elaboración, validación y confiabilización de una escala que evalúe la dimensión social del autoconcepto en niños de la calle y en la calle. La muestra está compuesta por 300 niños en dicha situación, seleccionados de manera no probabilística intencional en los puntos de encuentro detectados por el DDF (Departamento del Distrito Federal) de la Ciudad de México. La base del instrumento es la Escala de Autoconcepto de De la Rosa. Para validar y confiabilizar el instrumento, se lleva a cabo el procedimiento de validez de constructo. Se realizan análisis estadísticos descriptivos de la muestra e inferenciales del instrumento. Los resultados del instrumento indican un Alpha de Cronbach total de .786, donde destacan los factores de Comportamiento Asocial con .7593, Accesibilidad con .7239 y Satisfacción de Reconocimiento con .8114, de Alpha de Cronbach, respectivamente.

The present research has as objective the elaboration, validation, and confiabilization of a scale that evaluates the social dimension of the self-concept in street children and in the street children, The sample is composed with 300 in that condition, selected in a non probabilistic intentional way in the meeting paints detected by the Federal District Department of Mexico City. The base of the instrument is the Self-Concept Scale by De La Rosa. In order to validate and give confiability to the instrument, construct validity procedure is carried out. Descriptive statistics of the sample are made, and inferential about the instrument. The results of the instrument indicate a total Cronbach's Alpha of .786, which highlight the Unsocial Behavior factors with .7593, Accessibility with .7239 and Recognition Satisfaction with .8114 of the Cronbach's Alpha, respectively.

Definiciones de Habitante de Calle y de Niño, Niña y Adolescente en Situación de Calle: Diferencias y Yuxtaposiciones / Definitions of Homeless and Street Children: Differences and Juxtapositions

Resumen: En el presente texto se rastrea la discusión contemporánea sobre la definición de habitante de calle (homeless). Se evidencia que las definiciones son variadas, dinámicas, históricas y tienen connotaciones políticas. Estas se suelen dividir entre amplias y restringidas, o entre habitacionales y sociales. Se plantea que las definiciones usadas en países desarrollados son amplias y no encajan con la forma en que ha sido investigado dicho fenómeno en los países en vía de desarrollo. También se analiza las diferencias que habría en la forma que se define niños y niñas en situación de calle y su relación con la definición de habitabilidad en calle en general. Finalmente se propone un esquema gráfico para representar las yuxtaposiciones entre las diferentes definiciones.

Abstract: The paper traces the current discussion on the definition of homeless. It was found that the definitions are varied, dynamic, historical and have political connotations. The definitions are usually divided between extensive and restricted, or between housing and social orientation. It is argued that the definitions used in developed countries are extensive and do not fit the way it has been investigated this phenomenon in developing countries. It also discusses the differences in the way that children on the streets have been defined and its relation to the definition of homelessness. Finally, is proposed a graphic to represent the juxtapositions between the diverse definitions.

La banda y sus choros: Un grupo de niños de la calle hilando historias de edad, género y liderazgo / La banda and their choros: A group of street children narrating tales about leadership, gender and age

Este artículo narra la historia de los chavos de Bucareli, un grupo de niños de la calle de la Ciudad de México, quienes también eran conocidos como "la banda del metro Juárez". Documentar su vida cotidiana por un periodo de tres años me ha permitido formular tres puntos de análisis relacionados con la diferenciación interna del poder, puntos también válidos para otras 15 bandas de niños de la calle de la Ciudad de México. Primero, es importante poner en una perspectiva de edad las dinámicas sociales de liderazgo y género que se dan al interior de la banda y entre las diferentes bandas. Segundo, los principios que estructuran la vida en las calles, como el liderazgo, el género y la edad, tienen un carácter inherentemente evanescente como consecuencia de la interacción de limitaciones internas y externas a la banda. Tercero, la falta de vivienda genera un mundo de paradojas y contradicciones. La diferenciación de poder entre personas que carecen relativamente de poder es una contradicción; y las dinámicas de liderazgo, género y edad demuestran las paradojas de las relaciones internas de la banda. Dichas paradojas pueden ser particularmente alienantes en las relaciones entre los niños de calle y los adultos que fungen como padres o madres sustitutos. Este análisis etnográfico de la "enloquecedora falta de una vivienda" es relevante para la salud mental. Las historias narradas por los "gamines" en torno al liderazgo, el género y la edad esconden su fragilidad, porque en ellas los niños de la calle se atribuyen un poder del cual carecen en realidad. Más que meramente síntomas de locura o una personalidad manipuladora, estas historias testifican la creatividad y la resiliencia de estos jóvenes. El poder ilusorio de sus "choros" les facilita vivir con aparente armonía en las condiciones en que viven.

This article recounts the story of the Bucareli boys, a group of street children in Mexico City who were also known as the banda of metro Juárez. Documenting the "Buca" boys over a period of three years allowed me to formulate three insights about the internal power differentiation in terms of leadership, gender, and age. These insights are valid as well, I think, for the other 15 bandas where I did fieldwork. First, it is important to place the dynamics of leadership and gender relations in an age perspective. Second, as structuring principles of street life, leadership, gender and age have an inherently evanescent character, due to an interplay of constraints that are both internal and external to the banda. My third suggestion concurs with Liebow in that homelessness creates a world of paradoxes and contradictions. Power differentiation among relatively powerless people is a contradiction in terms; and the dynamics of leadership, gender and age disclose paradoxical social ties within the banda. These can be particularly harrowing in the relations between street kids and the young adults posing as surrogate fathers and mothers. This ethnographic analysis of "crazy-making homelessness" is relevant for mental health. The kids' story-telling about leadership and gender relations veiled their fragility, since in these tales they attributed themselves a power which they did not have in reality. More than mere symptoms of psychopathology or a manipulative personality disorder, these stories testify to the creativity and resilience of these young people. The illusory power of the choros, the bullshit tales about street children, enables them to live in apparent harmony under the conditions in which they live.

Conducting research about sensitive subjects: The case of homeless youth / Dirigiendo la investigación acerca de asuntos sensibles: el caso de la juventud sin casa ni hogar

There is growing interest and importance in addressing the logistical and ethical challenges of conducting research with disenfranchised populations, including homeless and working street youth. Drawing upon established international standards on human rights, we review legal and ethical codes for research on disenfranchised populations established by national and international research and professional organizations. Then we explore how university-based researchers can apply these standards to children and adolescents growing up in situations characterized by physical and psychological neglect, lack of adult supervision, limited protection from local law enforcement, and drug use and violence. We reflect upon on our experiences in conducting research with vulnerable Brazilian youth to illustrate the challenges of implementing ethical guidelines in real-world situations and propose possible solutions to ethical dilemmas encountered in the field.

Hay interés creciente e importancia en los desafíos logísticos y éticos de la dirección de una investigación con poblaciones en situación de vulnerabilidad, incluso los denominados sin hogar y la juventud callejera. Utilizando las normas internacionales establecidas en los derechos humanos, para esta investigación, se retomaron los códigos legales y éticos en estas poblaciones establecidas por organizaciones profesionales y de investigación nacional e internacional. Nosotros exploramos cómo los investigadores basados en las universidades pueden aplicar estas normas a los niños y adolescentes que crecen en las situaciones caracterizados por el abandono físico y psicológico, falta de vigilancia adulta, protección limitada de la ley local, uso de droga y violencia. Nosotros reflejamos en nuestras experiencias, dirigiendo la investigación con la juventud brasileña vulnerable, para ilustrar los desafíos de llevar a cabo las pautas éticas en las situaciones del mundo real y proponer las posibles soluciones a los dilemas éticos encontrados en el campo.

La violencia no siempre es violencia: el significado para los niños y niñas en situación de calle / A violência não sempre é violência: o significado para os meninos e meninas em situação de rua / Violence is not always violence: its meaning to homeless children

Objetivo. Describir y comprender el significado de la violencia desde la mirada de niño/as con experiencia de vida en la calle en la ciudad de Medellín. Metodología. Estudio etnográfico realizado entre Febrero de 2005 y Mayo de 2008, se entrevistaron 10 niños y 8 niñas menores de 18 años, que aceptaron participar. Las observaciones se realizaron en horas diurnas y nocturnas. Del proceso analítico emergieron las categorías de agresiones que no son violencia y la violencia que es dañar sin razón. Resultados. En la calle las agresiones que no son violencia surgen en la relación con pares, en un marco de defensa, por ende, son legítimas y validadas, contrario a ello, la violencia es ejercida por actores ajenos a la lógica de la calle, busca causar daño y sus actos no son justificados y por ello es ilegítima. En la construcción que los niños/ as hacen de las agresiones que no son violencia y de la violencia hay un trasfondo de supervivencia y de ausencia de instituciones que garanticen sus derechos, dicha ausencia profundiza los sentimientos de sufrimiento y dolor ya presentes por los hechos de violencia experimentada. Estos niños/as van por la calle haciendo historia en adversidad, construyendo órdenes y lógicas que les permite sobrevivir. Sus órdenes establecidos en la antinorma de la calle reclaman de programas incluyentes y diseñados desde sus necesidades explícitas y sentidas, de tal forma que puedan insertarse en la sociedad como sujetos de derecho en todo el reconocimiento de su dignidad humana. Conclusión. Para los niños y niñas en situación de calle, la violencia es clasificada y vista como violencia, en este sentido hacen legitimación de la misma.

Objective. To describe and understand violence meaning for children with street living experience in the city of Medellin. Methodology. Ethnographic study performed between February 2005 and May 2008, 10 boys and 8 girls under 18 years old who accepted 436 / Invest Educ Enferm 2010;28(3) to participate were interviewed. Observations were made during day and night hours. From the analytical process emerged the categories of non violent aggressions and the violence that is to damage without reason. Results. Non violent aggressions in the street surge from the peer relationship as a defense mechanism this is why they are valid and legitimate, contrary to this violence is executed by people estranger to the logics of the street, seeking to cause damage; their actions are not justified and therefore are illegitimate. In the buildup that children make about violence and non violent aggressions, there is a background of survival and absence of institutions that guarantee their rights, such absence increases the feelings of suffering and pain already present for the previously experimented violence. These children go through the streets making history in adversity, creating laws and logics that allow them to survive. The laws established in the street anti law claim for inclusive, designed programs from their specific necessities so that they can part of the society as subjects with rights to be acknowledge all their human dignity. Conclusion.For homeless children violence is classified and seen as violence, in this sense they legitimate it.

Objetivo. Descrever e compreender o significado da violência desde a mirada de menino/as com experiencia de vida na rua na cidade de Medellín. Metodologia. Estudo etnográfico realizado entre Fevereiro de 2005 e Maio de 2008, entrevistaram-se 10 meninos e 8 meninas menores de 18 anos, que aceitaram participar. As observações se realizaram em horas diurnas e noturnas. Do processo analítico emergiram as categorias de agressões que não são violência e a violência que é danar sem razão. Resultados. Na rua as agressões que não são violência surgem na relação com pares, num marco de defesa, portanto, são legítimas e validadas, contrário a isso, a violência é exercida por atores alheios à lógica da rua, procura causar dano e seus atos não são justificados e por isso é ilegítima. Na construção que os meninos/as fazem das agressões que não são violência e da violência há uma profundidade de sobrevivência e de ausência de instituições que garantam seus direitos, dita ausência aprofunda os sentimentos de sofrimento e dor já presentes pelos fatos de violencia experimentada. Estes meninos/as vão pela rua fazendo história em adversidade, construindo ordens e lógicas que lhes permite sobreviver. Suas ordens estabelecidas na anti-norma da rua reclamam de programas incluintes e desenhados desde suas necessidades explícitas e sentidas, de tal forma que possam inserir-se na sociedade como sujeitos de direito em todo o reconhecimento de sua dignidade humana. Conclusão. Para os meninos e meninas em situação de rua, a violência é classificada e vista como violência, neste sentido faz legitimação da mesma.

Meninos de rua: desafiliados em busca de saúde mental / Niños de la calle: desafiliados en busca de salud mental / Street children: parentless people in search of mental health

Este artigo parte da hipótese de que " os meninos de rua vão para as ruas em busca de saúde mental" , formulada a partir dos textos de Leite, Winnicott, Castel e Foucault. Leite aposta na saúde mental desses jovens; Winnicott trabalha com a teoria da tendência anti-social; Castel com a desafiliação social; e finalmente Foucault, com a idéia de que a doença mental é uma expressão positiva da sociedade. Esta hipótese é verificada no Programa de Assistência e Pesquisa, coordenado por Leite e desenvolvido no Instituto de Psiquiatria (IPUB/UFRJ), o qual investiga a subjetividade desses jovens através de suas narrativas, visando subsidiar políticas públicas de assistência social e saúde mental no Brasil.

The hypothesis, or rather, street children go on the streets in search of mental health, is discussed to Leite's, Winnicott's, Castel's and Foucault's ideas. Leite discusses the idea that street children are mentally healthy; Winnicott foregrounds the theory of antisocial behavior; Castel bases his theory on socially parentless concept; Foucault discusses the idea that mental illness is a positive expression of society. This hypothesis has been verified in the Assistance and Research Program coordinated by Leite and developed by the Psychiatry Institute (IPUB/UFRJ). It investigates teenager's subjectivity through their life narratives and tries to use them as guidelines for public policies of Social Assistance and Mental Health in Brazil.

Este artículo parte de la hipótesis de que " los niños de la calle van a las calles en busca de salud mental" , formulada a partir de los textos de Leite, Winnicott, Castel y Foucault. Leite que cree en la salud mental de estos jóvenes; Winnicott con la teoría de la tendencia antisocial; Castel con la " desafiliación" social; y finalmente Foucault con la idea de que la enfermedad mental es una expresión positiva de la sociedad. Esta hipótesis es verificada en el Programa de Asistencia e Investigación, coordenado por Leite y desarrollado en el Instituto de Psiquiatría (IPUB/UFRJ), que investiga la subjetividad de estos jóvenes a través de sus narrativas, con el objetivo de subsidiar políticas públicas de Asistencia Social y Salud Mental en Brasil.

Vulnerabilidad de los niños de la calle / Vulnerability of street children / Vulnerabilidade das crianças de rua

Este artículo informa sobre un análisis de 20 entrevistas abiertas, semidirigidas, realizadas a niños de la calle en México D.F., construidas sobre diversos tópicos (Familia, Violencia, Sexualidad, Obtención de Recursos y Adicciones), y considerando dos etapas de su vida (antes de abandonar el hogar y su vida en la calle). Estos grupos se insertan en su entorno en condiciones de vulnerabilidad, en las cuales la satisfacción de las necesidades primarias es el objetivo para la toma de decisiones, por eso la falta de expectativas de futuro. Uno de sus patrones de comportamiento es el consumo de drogas, siendo los solventes los más usuales. El ejercicio de su sexualidad se da en condiciones de inseguridad, por ello son frecuentes los embarazos no deseados y las infecciones genitales. Es este contexto habrá que plantearse la salud reproductiva de estos grupos marginales.

This article offers an analysis of 20 semi-directed, open interviews realized with street children in Mexico City, which includes diverse topics (Family, Violence, Sexuality, Obtaining Resources and Addictions) and considers two life stages (before abandoning the home and their life on the street). These groups live in an environment with conditions of vulnerability, where the satisfaction of basic necessities is the primary focus of their decision making, causing lack of future expectations. One of their behavior patterns is drug abuse, solvents being the most typical drug of choice. Their sexuality, acted out in conditions of vulnerability, gives rise to frequent unwanted pregnancies and genital infections. In this context, the reproductive health of these marginal groups will have to be considered.

Este artigo informa sobre uma análise de 20 entrevistas abertas, semidirigidas, realizadas em crianças de rua na Cidade do México, construídas sobre diversos tópicos (Família, Violência, Sexualidade, Obtenção de Recursos e Drogas), e considerando duas etapas de sua vida (antes de abandonar o lar e sua vida na rua). Estes grupos se inserem no seu entorno em condições de vulnerabilidade, nas quais a satisfação das necessidades primárias é o objetivo para a tomada de decisões, daí a falta de expectativas de futuro. Um de seus padrões de comportamento é o consumo de drogas, sendo os solventes os mais usuais. O exercício de sua sexualidade se dá em condições de insegurança. Por isso são freqüentes as gravidezes não desejadas e as infecções genitais. É neste contexto que haverá de se questionar a saúde reprodutiva destes grupos marginais.

Representación social del género masculino en un grupo de niños y jóvenes que viven en la calle, en la ciudad de México. Primera parte

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Summary This work is part of a wider research whith the objective to learn the social representation of maternity and paternity of children and youths living in the street. The concept of social representations designates a specific form of knowledge, to know about the common sense, of which its contents display the development of generative and functional processes that are socially characterized. On a broader sense it designates a form of social thought. Therefore, the main idea is that maternity and paternity are social representations, hegemonic to the identity in both genders male and female, an identity which changes with individuals' life conditions such as in the case of street children and youngsters. This being the general idea, we are focused in analyzing the dynamics within a group of youngsters living in the street, from the point of view of the construction of gender as a social representation. Though some demands of life in the streets reflect social organization systems, e.g. violence, hierarchies, distribution of work and solidarity, it is also true that many of these social interaction characteristics can be based on the cultural weight attributed to gender roles, particularly the masculine role. Genders are understood as social representations because gender roles imply a series of rules and prescriptions dictated by cultures in regard to both masculine and feminine behavior. Masculine behavior is featured by what is public, violent and in use of the body. Assuming diversities of social, cultural realms and that of human groups in relation with the construction of genders, this work forwards the significance given to masculinity by a group of street youths. This was undertaken through the researcher's incorporation to the team of street educators in a private social assistance institution. This arrangement allowed to research on a daily basis of shared experiences with the group of interest. In order to study the social representations in masculinity and its practice in life expressed and signified by infant males in the street, this work made observations and shared experiences with street boys of ages ranging between 7 and 14, and two young men between ages 16 and 18 who sleep overnight in streets, mainly in the northern area of Mexico City, and who attend to a private social assistance institution that includes a program called Centro de Día. Fieldwork was made for a period of five months with many daily visits on a schedule of 8:00 to 17:00 hrs. Participatory field observation was carried out to allow investigating in a subtle manner, without questioning under intrusive practices on behalf of the researcher, about the meanings, social representations, values and survival practices and ways of interacting of the studied participants. The participatory observation permitted to listen, observe and ask during leisure activities in the course of outdoors trips, sports games, sanitation, and self-care activities. These activities were recorded in a project field annotation book, giving a detailed description of the daily duties carried out by the group (as well as the researcher's fieldwork impressions). The filed annotations were qualitatively scrutinized through inductive analysis as proposed by Gonzalez & Martinez; information under a reflective reading implies the construction of themes and concepts enabling a given establishment of categories of analysis, in such a way that 6 thematic research axioms were identified. For this work, only those axioms relative to the meaning and social practice of masculinity were covered under this assessment, i.e., a) relations among equals, b) family and sexuality, and, c) inhalable drug use. As a result of the observations, it was found that boys (and girls living with them) have developed survival strategies derived from the informal economy sector, solidarity and coverup norms, nomadic systems. As corollary, this sugests an alternative way of life. However, these alternative ways of life do not have implications in the social representations of masculinity, neither provide attributions to manhood. That is, for those boys living in the street, masculinity and the meaning of manhood still continue to keep a great tradition of the martial law model corresponding to the romanticism period from 17th to 19th A.D., in which, physical strength, the use of violence and gallantry are elements of masculinity. Man is a man, in as far as he courts a woman or makes use of violence. There is a persistent representation of physical strength and capacity as an inherent condition of their male body, which makes them immune in sickness and disease; this belief could lead them to risk practices, specifically: the excessive inhalable drug use, genital sex without use of condoms. The observed group pretentiously assumes heterosexuality as the relation common among men and women. Also, observed within their practices, there is censorship of contact between malemale. Moreover, the prevailing idea and desire among these boys is marrying a woman known to be a virgin, due to given meaning to virginity as a sign of purity and innocence. In addition, the idea is to marry a virgin, preferably who does not live in the streets and does not have a "bad reputation", to make a family with her. Well in the sense of their collective the observed boys give equal treatment to all women within the group; although, there is a subdued task for them at moments of distributing activities. The boys either see women in a masculine vestment or place the girls in their group in the slut position, encompassed in the binomial slut-virgin, and virgins will be those who stay inside their homes being mothers to their children. The prevalence of the masculine ideal is centered on the sourceful man, his capacity to engender, coupling togher with a pure woman in charge of her home. Given the prevalence of the hegemonic model of masculinity in the observed group practices, it may be concluded, that this kind of alternative group does not necessarily represent ideological changes. In addition, the prevalence of the hegemonic representation neither coincides with demands in social order, which in fact is transgressed by the presence of women in the group. In other words, despite the fact that girls and young girls take the same duties to earn money or goods for the group, and despite of their tendencies to fight against other groups and engage in some rites of passage, young men have not been able to modify the stereotyped representation of women as week, submissive and pertaining to home caring and breedind children. In summary, even though boys do not take up economic or social and emotional responsibilities, they do not stop seeing themselves as gallant and sourceful. In further extent, these social representations are circumscribed in the ideas of maternal love and the gentlemanly of men, models of the hegemonic discourse imbedded since the 17th and 18th centuries.