Sociology 2306: Worksheet "Streetwise" (UMD Library: VC 1010)

1. Describe the range of relationships that these kids had with their families of orientation? Was there a common pattern?

2. Describe the kinds of interactions these kids had with older adults once they were on the streets?. What do you think they learned from these interactions?

3. How did these kids meet their needs for food, housing and the like?

4. Did you see these kids as having strong friendships? Explain why or why not?

Group Project Sociology 2306 "Streetwise"

1. In what ways were these kids conformist and in what ways were they deviant?

2. Which theories of deviance do you find most useful in explaining their deviance and/or the way the system relates to their deviance?

3. To what extent were these kids able to create substitute families on the street? Do you believe they were tied to street life by its positive attractions?..

4. Do you see the juvenile justice system as playing any kind of positive role in these kids' lives? How would you design a program--whether through the juvenile justice system or through social services or through a private organization like a church--to make a positive difference in their lives? Explain why you think your program might be effective in relation to your theory about why they became street kids in the first place?