Çocuk Yoksulluğunu Anlamak: Mardin Örneği

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effects and consequences of poverty on child welfare within the framework of fundamental rights and the capability approach. The research was conducted using a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, and involved 13 children, 12 parents, and 35 professionals as the study group. Data were collected through semi-structured interview forms specifically designed for each group and were subsequently subjected to thematic analysis using the MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software. As a result of the analysis, six main themes were identified: "dimensions of child poverty," "perceptions of the causes of child poverty," "effects of poverty on children: risks and vulnerabilities," "consequences of child poverty and challenges faced by children," "coping strategies and provided services," and "opinions on reducing and eliminating child poverty." The findings reveal that child poverty encompasses not only material deprivation but also a multidimensional structure. While the causes of child poverty include structural, familial, individual, and fatalistic factors, it was observed that these causes primarily stem from structural issues. Moreover, poverty was found to have significant impacts on child welfare, such as child labor, involvement in crime, addiction, and abuse. The study also identified the biopsychosocial consequences of poverty on children. Children and parents develop various strategies to cope with poverty, while institutions and organizations provide support through service models designed for children and families. In this context, the study recommends strengthening families to mitigate the dependency-inducing effects of poverty, increasing protective, preventive, and rehabilitative services, transitioning from a charity-based approach to a rights-based perspective in social policies and practices, and ensuring child participation in policymaking and research.