CHILDREN’S LEARNING IN ADULTS’ ENVIRONMENT - THE STREET

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the learning of working children on the streets. This study takes qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews as method. In total, 10 interviews were conducted with key informants aged 12-16 in Rawalpindi city. Social learning theory of Albert Bandura has been used as theoretical frameworks. The main themes are presented through case studies of three children who shared their learning on the streets. It is argued in this paper that children have to work in the streets in an adult environment due to their familial responsibilities especially in COVID-19, and sacrificing studies. And they are working in that environment –the street (an urban space) - which is created by adults and operated by rules and regulations of adults, where children face different exploitation including sexual abuse, discrimination and learning tricks of wrong doings. It is also argued that children can carry all these learning and experiences to rest of their lives and practice wrong doings in their professional lives as well. It is concluded that it is important for adults to give children an environment where moral judgment of right and wrong prevails and children can distinguish them and practice good things in their lives.

Keywords: Learning tricks, street, COVID-19, exploitation, moral judgment