Introduction
The phenomenon of children living or working on the streets is a pressing social issue that resonates deeply within the fabric of society, particularly in the Canadian context. These children, often referred to as “street children,” are typically homeless or spend a significant amount of time on the streets due to poverty, family breakdown, or systemic neglect. This essay explores the multifaceted relationship between street children and society, focusing on how their presence influences social structures, community dynamics, and policy responses in Canada. By examining the social perceptions, economic implications, and long-term societal consequences of this issue, the discussion aims to illuminate the broader impacts on Canadian society while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge in fully addressing this complex problem. The essay will argue that street children both reflect and exacerbate societal inequalities, necessitating urgent and comprehensive interventions.
Social Perceptions and Stigmatisation
Street children in Canada are often subject to significant social stigmatisation, which shapes societal attitudes and interactions with this vulnerable group. Generally, they are perceived as delinquents or threats to public safety, a view reinforced by media portrayals and public discourse. This perception can lead to social exclusion, where communities and individuals distance themselves from these children, limiting their access to support and opportunities (Gaetz, 2004). For example, in urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver, street youth are frequently associated with crime or substance abuse, despite evidence suggesting that many are victims of circumstance rather than perpetrators of harm (Gaetz et al., 2016).
This stigmatisation arguably perpetuates a cycle of marginalisation, as it discourages societal empathy and hinders the development of supportive networks. Indeed, research indicates that negative public perceptions often result in harsher policing practices and reduced access to essential services like education and healthcare (Hagan and McCarthy, 1997). Consequently, the societal tendency to “other” street children not only alienates them but also undermines broader efforts to address the systemic issues—such as poverty and housing insecurity—that contribute to their plight. This dynamic highlights a critical tension within Canadian society: the simultaneous recognition of street children as victims and their treatment as outcasts.
Economic Implications and Resource Strain
The presence of street children also has notable economic implications for Canadian society, particularly in terms of resource allocation and public expenditure. Street children often rely on emergency services, shelters, and charitable organisations for survival, which places a significant burden on public and non-profit resources. For instance, a report by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness notes that the cost of maintaining emergency shelters and outreach programs for homeless youth is substantial, diverting funds from other social programs (Gaetz et al., 2013). While these costs are necessary to address immediate needs, they reflect a reactive rather than preventive approach to the issue.
Moreover, the long-term economic impact of street children on society cannot be overlooked. Many of these children face barriers to education and employment, increasing the likelihood of chronic poverty and reliance on social welfare systems in adulthood (Raising the Roof, 2009). This perpetuates a cycle of economic disadvantage that affects not just the individuals but also the broader community through reduced productivity and increased public expenditure. Therefore, the economic relationship between street children and society underscores the need for investment in early intervention and support systems to mitigate these long-term costs.
Long-Term Societal Consequences
Beyond immediate social and economic effects, the presence of street children in Canada has profound long-term consequences for societal cohesion and equity. Typically, children who grow up on the streets are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, engaging in criminal behaviour, and experiencing social isolation, all of which can strain community resources and cohesion (Hagan and McCarthy, 1997). For example, studies have shown that street-involved youth are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, often as a result of survival-driven behaviours such as theft or drug-related activities (Gaetz, 2004).
Furthermore, the persistence of street children as a visible social issue points to deeper systemic failures within Canadian society, such as inadequate child welfare systems and insufficient affordable housing. Their existence challenges societal notions of fairness and equality, prompting debates about responsibility and the role of government in addressing social inequality (Raising the Roof, 2009). Indeed, the continued marginalisation of street children risks normalising social exclusion, potentially desensitising society to the plight of vulnerable populations. This long-term erosion of social empathy could have far-reaching implications, including reduced civic engagement and increased social fragmentation.
Policy Responses and Societal Responsibility
The relationship between street children and society in Canada is also evident in the policy responses—or lack thereof—that shape their experiences. While initiatives like the Canadian National Housing Strategy (2017) aim to address homelessness broadly, specific policies targeting street children remain limited and fragmented (Government of Canada, 2017). This gap in policy reflects a societal hesitance to fully acknowledge and address the unique needs of this group, often prioritising adult homelessness over youth-specific interventions.
However, there is growing recognition of the need for collaborative societal responsibility. Community-based programs, such as those run by non-governmental organisations like Covenant House in Toronto, have demonstrated success in providing street children with safe spaces, education, and job training (Gaetz et al., 2016). These initiatives suggest that societal engagement—beyond government action—plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of street life on both the children and the wider community. Nonetheless, the scalability of such programs remains a challenge, highlighting the need for broader societal and governmental commitment to systemic change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presence of street children in Canada profoundly affects society, influencing social perceptions, economic resources, and long-term societal cohesion. The stigmatisation of these children perpetuates their marginalisation, straining community dynamics and reinforcing inequality. Economically, their reliance on public and charitable resources highlights the urgent need for preventive measures over reactive solutions. Moreover, the long-term consequences of their exclusion pose risks to societal equity and empathy, while inadequate policy responses reflect broader societal shortcomings in addressing systemic issues. Ultimately, the relationship between street children and society is cyclical—social structures contribute to their vulnerability, while their presence challenges and shapes societal values and priorities. Moving forward, Canadian society must prioritise comprehensive, collaborative interventions to break this cycle, ensuring that street children are not merely seen as a problem to be managed but as a reflection of shared societal responsibility. Addressing this issue is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
References
- Gaetz, S. (2004) Safe streets for whom? Homeless youth, social exclusion, and criminal victimization. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 46(4), pp. 423-455.
- Gaetz, S., Donaldson, J., Richter, T., & Gulliver, T. (2013) The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013. Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.
- Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S., & Schwan, K. (2016) Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
- Government of Canada (2017) National Housing Strategy. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
- Hagan, J., & McCarthy, B. (1997) Mean Streets: Youth Crime and Homelessness. Cambridge University Press.
- Raising the Roof (2009) Youth Homelessness in Canada: The Road to Solutions. Raising the Roof Organization.
