‘They should have stayed’

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the concept of intergenerational reciprocity, street child literature and primary research to explore who is responsible for street-living children, how they are responsible and to what extent. It deals with street-living children and young people in northern Tanzania where, for the majority, children reported to have left home due to circumstances of abuse, neglect or a breakdown of relationships among the family. The chapter explores the concept of intergenerational reciprocity, street child literature and primary research to explore who is responsible for street-living children, how they are responsible and to what extent. It argues that family represents a crucial support network for children and young people in Tanzania which is not easily replicated by street-based relationships and networks. Street-living children in Tanzanian society also transgress social norms by appearing to live independently of their parents and wider family in a context where intergenerational reciprocity is paramount.