Ethiopian childhoods: a case study of the lives of orphans and working children

This thesis explores two aspects of contemporary childhoods – orphanhood and children’s work – in Ethiopia.  By drawing on case studies from Gedeo (rural) and Addis Ababa (urban), the author discusses how children and young people negotiate their lives in respect of changing politico-economic and socio-cultural contexts. The study is framed in the light of poverty, the shifting livelihood trajectories of families and the growth in the number of orphans.

The study reveals that in Ethiopia, there are about 5 million orphans, of whom 1.5 million have become so due to HIV/AIDS. According to the study the proportion of the latter in relation to the total number of orphans is increasing alarmingly. Little is known about how these children grow up and how the extended family system is coping with the impacts of the epidemic.

Furthermore the study finds that despite being constant objects of pity and charity appeals, these orphans work for survival and to fulfill their social obligations within their households. Like their counterpart children in the context of poverty, they are vital contributors of labour and income. Although children – orphans and non-orphans – are recognised as being active in family livelihoods, in research and policy they are also viewed as vulnerable becomings.

This thesis explores the lives of children and young people and their place in both daily and generational reproduction in two contrasting settings in Ethiopia. Based on their own perspectives, it discusses how they are constrained by and try to respond to poverty, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and ‘development’ processes.

Lastly the study conducts a synthesis of articles, where it identifies cutting-edge themes, structural similarities and spatial dimensions intersecting their lives. Finally the thesis analyses relevant debates in order to identify the gaps and make suggestions for further research.