Street Researchers

Abstract

To advance work with street children, realistic and effective programs must be based on prior research. Traditional research methods are not applicable to investigations with street children, thus this article presents a new paradigm introducing the concept of `street researchers'. The street researcher is redefined and examined within the context of the street child's world. Issues such as the transformed role of the researcher, countertransference, new conceptualizations of time and space, testing behaviors, value-based research, and the integration of ethnography are discussed. It is recommended that street researchers also assume broader responsibilities as research/social change agents.