Affiliation:
1. Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Cúcuta 540003, Colombia
2. Facultad de Administración y Negocios, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Cúcuta 540003, Colombia
Abstract
This study explains the Venezuelan migration involving unaccompanied or separated adolescents (UASA) on the Colombian–Venezuelan border, specifically in Norte de Santander-Táchira. This explanation is framed within the concept of the social moratorium, highlighting three subcategories that contribute to the early abandonment of childhood: 1. the violation of rights, 2. working life, and 3. confrontation of dangers. These subcategories compel UASA to transition prematurely into youth, assuming social, labor, or family responsibilities. Methodologically, we adopt a narrative approach, conducting group interviews with 24 immigrant children and adolescents. Furthermore, 14 interviews are conducted in 2 local markets, and the remaining 10 on 2 central avenues in the city of Cúcuta, Colombia. We conduct a theoretical analysis drawing upon key concepts, including the social moratorium, social constructionism, interaction, and moral and cognitive development. This theoretical framework helps us understand the consequences for the life prospects of this generation. They arise from factors such as school dropout, exposure to health risks, and the absence of free leisure time. These indicators reflect socioeconomic problems, including poverty, abuse, and violence.
Funder
Universidad Simón Bolívar
Reference81 articles.
1. Determinantes y consecuencias del trabajo infantil: Un análisis de la literatura [Determinants and Consequences of Child Labour: Analysis of Literature];Contreras;Investigación y Reflexión,2011
2. La crisis como factor agravante del Síndrome de Ulises [The crisis as an aggravating factor of the Ulysses Syndrome];Achotegui;Temas de Psicoanálisis,2012
3. Feminización de la migración venezolana documentada en su punto de origen durante 2018 y 2019 [Feminization of documented Venezuelan migration at its point of origin during 2018 and 2019];Peraza;Studi Emigrazione,2022
4. Neurodesarrollo y estimulación oportuna en niños de madres indígenas migrantes y no migrantes en Chihuahua, México [Neurodevelopment and timely early stimulationin children of indigenous migrant and non-migrant mothers in Chihuahua, Mexico];Anales de Psicología,2022
5. The Role of Rights-Based Social Work in Contemporary Latin American Diasporas: The Case of Venezuelan Migrant Children;Alves;Journal of Human Rights and Social Work,2019