“A bit for you, a bit for me”: self-solidary position from extreme poverty

Abstract:

This paper analyzes self-solidarity as a position in the face of extreme poverty and shows the articulated complex of homelessness and the difficulty in overcoming it. Raymond’s life story, as a case study in northern Mexico, unravels the link between migration, masculinity(ies) and social exclusion and its relationship with the street situation of deported ex-migrant men, collective helpless by social policy. Raymond’s life trajectory exposes violence, contexts of vulnerability and resignifications, highlighting an example of descending social mobility. It is concluded that self-solidarity, as an autonomous position against homelessness, is developed as a practical tool in self-care, an element of resilience and a way to understand the experiential context and direct support demands.

Keywords:
Extreme poverty; Exclusion; Migration; Masculinity; Life story