Freedom, Revolt and `Citizenship'

Abstract

This article investigates the experiences, identities and aspirations of children and adolescents living on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, formed as they are around the conditions of exclusion, violence and discrimination. Significant here are experiences of revolta — revolt or rage — the aspiration for freedom through life on the street and the desire to be considered a citizen, like everyone else. The complexity of these experiences and aspirations in a society that continues to discriminate and curtail possibilities for social mobility are outlined.