Constructing the meaning of “family” in the context of out-of-home care : an exploratory study on residential care leavers in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract: Care leavers’ family lives are not well documented in Global South literature. The West has seen an increase in studies focusing on the family concept. This paper focuses on the concept of ‘family’ and family membership from the perspective of care leavers. Data from semi-structured interviews and ‘family lists’ with thirty care leavers (ages 18-25) from Zimbabwe is presented. The findings suggest that although there is evidence of heteronormative definitions of ‘family’ and ideas of ‘family’ as biological, new definitions are coming up in the developing world. Some participants acknowledge non-biological definitions of family based on connectivity, co-residence, affective practices, family contact and other forms of family display in the context of out-of-home care. The Zimbabwean cultural influence is highlighted as a factor in care leavers’ constructions of ‘family’ especially during the emerging adulthood stage. Practical implications for social policy, those working with care leavers, and wider society are discussed