Abstract

LOSANTOS, Marcela et al. RESISTING EXCLUSION: MEANING OF INHALANT USE IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS ON YOUNGSTERS IN STREET SITUATION IN THE CITY OF LA PAZ. Ajayu [online]. 2015, vol.13, n.2, pp.199-234. ISSN 2077-2161.

The aim of this research is to inform about the different meanings street youth give to the use of inhalants, in the city of La Paz -Bolivia. The study draws on two sources: visual and written material produced by them in creative workshops and subsequent dialogues with participants. Through a collaborative data collection methodology, preliminary findings were presented and discussed with participants to deepen in the meaning construction of inhalant use.  We found meanings are neither static nor generalizable, but dynamic and particular to each participant´s experience. Moreover, meanings are constructed in relation to different physical and social spaces with which they interact -such as welfare institutions, street groups and society in general- to resist social exclusion. We argue that greater interaction with social contexts different from the street can affect the frequency of consumption, decreasing the use of this kind of drugs. Further research is needed to confirm this latter point, in order to be implemented in intervention designs.

Keywords : meaning construction; street youngsters; inhalants; narrative analysis.

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