Work

‘Playing to survive’; street-connected children and the right to play in Bangladesh and Nepal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article considers conceptualisations of play through the lens of street-connected children in Asia (specifically Bangladesh and Nepal). For the young people discussed in this article – children who live on the streets - play forms an important and varied role in their lives. However, play is also inextricably linked to navigating lives and livelihoods, mitigating risk and survival. The article demonstrates how street-connected children face unique challenges in accessing their right to play, including a failure of states to uphold this fundamental human right, the implications of which are discussed.

Source: Childhood

DOI: 10.1177/09075682261449670

Authors: Atkinson-Sheppard S, Subedi G, Jha V, Ghimire N. C, Saifuzzaman A. K. M, Bukhareva A

Institutions: University of Westminster, Tribhuvan University

Language: English

Topic: Children's Rights and Participation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650