Slum-book: the intersectionality of the social exclusion experienced by the urban poor children in Metro Manila

Abstract

To be poor is to be vulnerable - this fact has been proven several times through the many issues faced by the marginalized. People living in abject poverty have an endless list of human security concerns such as food security, personal security, environmental and community security, political security, and health security. Threats to health security are generally far greater for the marginalized. And with the onset of the double-edged effect of massive urbanization and rapid globalization regarding issues of health and well being, the poor are more vulnerable and are getting the short end of the stick. The children are part of the more vulnerable and disadvantaged urban poor groups, if not the most vulnerable among them all. Children from urban poor communities are confronted with a "triple whammy" for being poor, being a child, and being sick. Furthermore, the urban poor children are mostly excluded from the benefits that are due to them and are not given access to their basic needs. This study aims to critically examine the plight of the urban poor children of Metro Manila and the social exclusions encountered by being poor, being sick, and being a child. Statistics and data from various groups and institutions were used to assess the health status of the children in Metro Manila. Interviews and mini-ethnographies were also conducted in order to examine the issues concerning the health of urban poor children, as well as the social exclusions faced by the urban poor children in their own community.