| dc.description.abstract | This thesis reports on qualitative life history interviews of orphaned children who
have lost both of their parents due to death by HIV/AIDS in Malawi. The focus is on
double orphans who are between the ages of 15 and 17 years. The purpose is to
explore and analyse the life experiences of orphans in Lilongwe in order to
understand how they construct their social world.
Methodologically, the study uses biographical or life history approach because it
offers means to make links between the orphans lived experiences and the wider
context of social, historical, cultural processes in the society. This helps to deeply
understand the meanings that children attach to their stories.
The stories of orphans depict that sickness and death of both parents' leads to loss of
money and property, which is affecting their access to basic needs such as food and
education, for instance. Their poor economic situation is exacerbated by stigma
attached to HIV/AIDS, which also affect the extent by which they are accepted or
rejected by relatives. Workload is a common experience affecting them. The
workload puts them at a disadvantage in school and free time. Though in this
situation, orphans have formed solidarity among themselves. They love, understand
and help each other both physically and psychologically and this keeps them together.
They also have ambitions and aspirations for a better life in future.
The thesis aims at presenting the overall analysis of the biographies of orphans and
thereby also showing the implications of their experiences. | en |
