Streetism”–A Socio-Cultural and Pastoral Theological Study of a Youth Problem in Ghana
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“STREETISM”–A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND PASTORAL THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF A YOUTH PROBLEM IN GHANA A Dissertation presented to Candler School of Theology, Emory University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree for Doctor of Theology Isaac Ishmael Arthur September 2012 © “STREETISM”: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND PASTORAL THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF A YOUTH PROBLEM IN GHANA By Isaac Ishmael Arthur Doctor of Theology Candler School of Theology Emory University Dr. Emmanuel Y. Lartey Committee Chair Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling Candler School of Theology, Emory University Dr. Pamela Cooper-White Committee Member Ben G. and Nancye Clapp Gautier Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling Columbia Theological Seminary Dr. Edward Wimberly Committee Member Jarena Lee Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling Interdenominational Theological Center “STREETISM”: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND PASTORAL THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF A YOUTH PROBLEM IN GHANA By Isaac Ishmael Arthur B.D. Trinity Theological Seminary (Ghana), 2001 Th.M. Princeton Theological Seminary, 2006 Th.D. Candler School of Theology Emory University, 2012 Dissertation Committee Chair: Emmanuel Y. Lartey, Ph.D. An abstract of A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Candler School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Theology 2012 Abstract “Streetism”: A Socio-Cultural and Pastoral Theological Study of a Youth Problem in Ghana By Isaac Ishmael Arthur This study investigates the phenomenon of “streetism”– the manner of life of homeless or unmonitored youth on the streets of Accra, Ghana, and other urban centers in a country where barrenness and childlessness are socially undesirable. The study utilizes a qualitative, ethnographic and critical theory-based approach to present a socio-culturally nuanced addition to the literature on street children. The work engages in theological reflection on the basis of the experiences of poverty and marginalization of the youth on the streets and for their liberation. This thesis also utilizes an intercultural methodology to examine the causes of streetism and liberation praxis for its eradication. The findings of the study include how poverty, dropping out of school, breakdown of the extended family systems, parental death, urbanization, adventure, and earning of personal income influence the migration of youth to the streets. The study also examines the effects of rape, and the resilient and hopeful attitudes of the homeless youth. The study proposes pastoral responses on three ecological levels. At the macro level, advocacy is proposed for addressing the problems embedded in social structures, and government policies and ideologies. At the meso level congregational and community response is offered to deal with issues emanating from local communities and institutions. Dealing with the psycho-social effects at the micro level, the study offers pastoral counseling for street youth and parents, and individual, group, and narrative counseling approaches for individuals and groups within the community. “STREETISM”: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND PASTORAL THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF A YOUTH PROBLEM IN GHANA By Isaac Ishmael Arthur Candler School of Theology Emory University, 2012 Dissertation Committee Chair: Emmanuel Y. Lartey, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Candler School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Theology 2012 Acknowledgements “A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul” Proverbs 13:19 (NKJV) “History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed” – B. C. Forbes I give praise and honor to God for bringing me this far of the academic journey. If I have lived through some of the most difficult times in my life and survived, then it is by the grace of God. May God’s Name be praised! I want to acknowledge the wonderful guidance and every assistance given me by the Dissertation Committee members. My special thanks go to the Chair, “My Boss” Dr. Emmanuel Y. Lartey. Besides being my Supervisor for the four years I spent on this program, I also lived with him from September 2008–June 2009. He put me under his wings as I tried to navigate my way through this program. He really mentored me academically and professionally as he opened his doors to me (24/7) to be able to confer with him at any given time. He coached me through the research and writing of this dissertation to the end. I’m grateful to him and his family. Professor Pamela Cooper-White has been a wonderful teacher to me. She knows her students and always “pushes” them to the limit of their ability. That is what she did for me through the four years. “Streetism” became the prominent theme of her Research Seminar in the Fall of 2010 and encouraged me to consider this as a life-long project. She was not only part of the initiative to do this study but she remained the cheer-leader throughout the period of my writing. I’m grateful to you Prof., and may God richly bless you. I’m also thankful to Dr. Edward Wimberly who always encouraged me to use some of the wonderful values from Africa. His feedbacks were immensely helpful. I’m grateful to all of you. My sincere thanks also go to the Methodist Church Ghana which has been wonderful to me from 2005 till today. In addition to the permission granted me to study abroad, the leadership also made sure my family was taken care of financially. During my time of study in the United States, I was also privileged to serve in the following churches: Ghana Emmanuel Methodist Church, (NJ), Central United Methodist Church (IN), Ghana Ebenezer Methodist Church (GA), Ebenezer Methodist Church (Hyattsville, MD), and Mt. Zion Ghana Methodist Church (GA). I’m very grateful to those congregations and many friends who were immensely helpful to me during my stay with them. God bless all of you. I’m also indebted to Papa Addo, my son and his mother Constance who were forced to live without me through my study outside Ghana for six years. Both of you have given me all the support I needed for the completion of this program. May God richly bless you! My big thanks also goes to my other family members especially Charles Amoah-Wilson, and my mother Maame Rebecca Wilson who have always looked forward to this end as they cheered me on. I say thank you so much and may God richly bless you all. To my seven other colleagues who started this program with me, particularly Michael Cook, I say a big thanks to you. You have been very supportive and helpful so much. To all my friends and admirers who have cheered me up to this stage, I say I’m very grateful to you all for your support and prayers. To Evangelist Eric Essel Lartey and the Zion Prayer Camp who provided me with the first ticket for my journey abroad, my big thanks to you also. Finally, I must mention the former Administrative Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Rt. Rev. Ekow Egyir who worked tirelessly towards my getting me back to the United States in September 2008, I say thank you Sir and may God richly bless you. And to all my many friends, colleagues, and other family members whose names are not mentioned due to space, I owe tons of gratitude and you will forever be thankful to you all. May God richly bless you! Dedication It is my utmost pleasure to dedicate this work to the three most important “fathers” of my life. They are The Rt. Rev. Titus K. Awotwi Pratt (Accra Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana), who nurtured me for the Ministry of the Church, The Rt. Rev. Ebenezer K. Dadson, who continues to inspire and motivate me for excellence in Ministry and higher education, and Professor Donald Capps (Professor Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary) through whose guidance and support I’ve made it through this program. When it came to my applications for admissions to clinical education, Emory University and for funding for this program, Professor Capps was always at hand in writing references in support of my applications. I’m very grateful to him for his massive and unflinching support for me to this end. I’m very grateful to these fathers who have given me all that I needed to reach this height. Thank you Sirs! Table of Content Introduction …………..………………………………………………………………1 Chapter 1: Statement of the Problem…..………………………………………………4 The Concept of Childhood in Ghana..…………................................................4 Statement of the Problem Explored …………………………………………….11 The Purpose and Overview of the Study ……………………………………….16 The Significance of the Study and the Author’s Concern………………………18 Chapter 2: Previous Study and Literature Review...………………………………...21 History of Migration in Ghana .…………………………………………………21 Street Youth Defined ….…….…………………………………………………..23 Poverty and Youth Homelessness. .……………………………………………..28 Global Numbers of Street Children/Youth .……………………………………..33 The Movement of Youth as an Internal Migration.……………………………...36 Characteristics of the Youth Migrants. ………………………………………….37 The Concept of Migration Decision-Making ..…………………………………..39 The Push and Pull Factors which Influence the Youth Migration ………………40 The Push and Pull in the North-South Context of Youth Migration ……………42 The Experiences of the Youth Migrants in the Cities …………………………...43 Opportunities in the Cities..……………………………………………………...47 Coping and Survival Strategies..…………………………………………………48 Returning Home and Re-integration …………………………………………….51 Streets Youth and the Family ……………………………………………………53 The African Social Support System ……………………………………………..54