Single parenthood and streetism: The hidden struggles of children in (urban settings) Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania

Streetism in urban areas is influenced by the challenges single-parent families face. Children in these households often endure significant difficulties. While various family dynamics can lead to streetism, the effects of single-parenthood and the underlying factors affecting street children remain under-researched. This study examined the challenges faced by street children in the urban areas of Dar es Salaam, focusing on three areas: (a) the impact of family dynamics on streetism, (b) the hidden struggles of street children, and (c) the difficulties single parents encounter regarding their children's involvement in street life. The research involved forty-two participants: twenty street children aged eight to seventeen, six single parents, eight social welfare officers, and eight caregivers from four administrative units in Dar es Salaam. The selection of participants was based on their insights into streetism and single parenthood. This study employed a qualitative research design grounded in ethnographic methods. It combined focus group discussions, participant observations, and in-depth interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the social realities that participants encountered. The study's findings showed that children face severe emotional challenges resulting from the difficulties of being raised by a single parent. These challenges can lead to feelings of neglect and abandonment. Single parents often struggle with various issues, including financial pressures and societal stigma, which contribute to ongoing emotional distress for both the parents and their children. The study recommends that governmental and non-governmental organizations implement strategies to strengthen family support systems, emphasizing economic empowerment programs for single parents. Collaborative efforts among social workers and community organizations are essential to advocate for policies that enhance the well-being of vulnerable urban families in Dar es Salaam. • Family breakdowns significantly increase emotional distress among street children in urban Dar es Salaam. • Economic pressures on single parents heighten the risk of children engaging in streetism. • Urban migration disrupts traditional family support, leading to social isolation for children. • Financial constraints prevent access to quality education for street-involved and single-parent children. • Strengthening community support networks is essential for improving resilience among vulnerable families.