“I stumbled into this mess, onto the street” The story of a young person, of a life without organization

Abstract

This ethnographic study deconstructs the life stories and the ruptures of young homeless people in Paris. Ten case studies are conducted. Observations and interviews are conducted over time. In this article, the story of a young, disorganized life is analyzed in depth. Romain has experienced a series of ruptures throughout his life. A school dropout, unemployed, far from his family and health and social associations, he socializes on the street. He wanders around with his dog, and sometimes other homeless people, depending on available opportunities. He takes drugs, begs, and resorts to delinquent acts to alleviate his suffering and to survive.