Social recognition in street dwellers in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

This article presents the results of an investigation on the processes of constitution of recognition of street dwellers in Medellín, following the theoretical categories love, rights and solidarity proposed by Axel Honneth. Twelve participants were interviewed: 6 street dwellers and 6 people referred to as other social actors, since social recognition requires reciprocity in intersubjective interaction. The hermeneutic-interpretative paradigm guided the qualitative design and oral history was chosen as the methodological strategy. The method of discourse analysis made it possible to highlight failures in socialization during primary childhood, affecting women in a differential way; there is a recognition of rights, although in an ambivalent way. Other actors find it difficult to value the qualities and capacities of street dwellers, even though they may be competent in the performance of specific roles or have self-recognized skills. Finally, some proposals are recommended for the understanding and attention to this population and the recognition of the right they have to inhabit the street in their differentiation with those who wish to join the institutionality.