Identity

Abstract

Chapter 8 describes how identity exploration and “enduring choices” are more difficult for street-involved youth, in part because they do not receive much help from familial and societal institutions. Identity exploration is in large part the experience of disengagement from street life and engagement with something else. This process is interpretable as a change in worldview, from a reactive need for independence and self-determination, away from “not being who I want to be,” and toward a greater focus or need for meaningfulness, security, and support that comes with interdependence with others. This process was the mirror image of what these youth experienced during their separation from parents and guardians, a time when individuating themselves from their family was important. Identity achievement is a challenge for all youth, and it is an acute problem for street-involved youth who are not situated in social and structural locations where adult identities are easily accessible.