Jha, Kieran

Runaway Girls in Britain

The study strives to focus on the sociological and legal aspects of the problem of runaway girls in the Asian community of Scotland. Its fourfold objectives are: (1) To explore the social, economic and cultural background of the respondents. By doing so it tries to underline the commonalties or variations that may or may not exist among the different groups that the respondents represent. Besides, it also intends to sift out those features which may be regarded as contributory factors in the individual’s decision to leave home. (2) To reflect upon the stresses and strains that emerge from living in a multi-cultural society. While inter-generational conflict forms a bulk of the discussion, it is significant that apparently simple matters relating to clothes or entertainment become non-negotiable because the actors straddle two worlds. There are many who are adept at compromises and balancing two different sets of life-styles, but the study shows that is sues of racism, poor self-image and pressures of an ethnic minority existence prevents others from bridging the chasm. The policies of the welfare state which undermines the authority of the family, also gives rise to a conflicting situation. (3) To discuss the legal aspects of the problem of runaway Asian girls and provide a brief debate on the way legislation and social policies affect their lives. The study also aims to demonstrate the involvement of the various agencies in this field and their dealings with the ethnic minority communities which brings to the fore the larger issues of effectiveness and success of the service providers vis-à-vis their target groups. (4) To analyse the various factors that cause the young girls from Asian families to leave home. And to examine the influence, response and reaction of the community to this issue. The study aims to emphasise the role of the Asian community in particular, highlighting their attitude and efforts towards this problem.