Unheard voices: A qualitative study on the lived experiences of street vagrants in Cabanatuan city
Wesleyan University Philippines, Cabanatuan City, Philippines.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(02), 1796–1806
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.2.1619
Publication history:
Received on 16 April 2024; revised on 22 May 2024; accepted on 25 May 2024
Abstract:
This study explores the lived experiences of street vagrants in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, aiming to foster empathy and a deeper comprehension of their lives. It investigates the underlying causes of their perceived deviation from societal norms and evaluates the impact of their living conditions. Employing a qualitative research design, purposive sampling was utilized to conduct semi-structured interviews with city street vagrants across four selected barangays. The participants disclosed various factors contributing to their vagrancy: economic instability, displacement, and familial discord. Homelessness exposed them to insecurity in shelter, harsh weather conditions, and social ostracization, compounding their challenges. Immediate attention is warranted for food security, necessitating assistance programs and systemic interventions. Notwithstanding the difficulties encountered, participants displayed resilience, drawing strength from spirituality and a sense of familial duty, enabling them to surmount obstacles. The analysis revealed a spectrum of perspectives, some aspiring for education while others grappled with hopelessness amidst uncertainty. This study acknowledges the impact of homelessness on individuals' perceptions of their future beyond tangible adversities. It provides an understanding of the difficult struggles experienced by people living on the streets and emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive support structures and systemic interventions, aiming to forge enduring solutions and alleviate the hardships faced by this vulnerable demographic.
Keywords:
Economic Instability; Familial Discord; Homelessness; Insecurity; Resilience; Social Ostracization; Spirituality; Systemic Interventions; Vagrancy
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0