Begging Phenomenon in Bucharest City: Dimensions and Patterns of Expression

The past two decades have had a profound impact on Bucharest’s social landscape resulting in the addition of a number of fringe elements reflecting phenomena such as homelessness, drug use and begging. The present study focuses firstly on the analysis of begging as a controversial social phenomenon, including beggars’ activities profiles, the causes of begging, the preferred areas for begging and its ensuing effects on the social landscape and secondly, on locals’ perception of and attitude towards beggars and the series of measures proposed to reduce the impact of the phenomenon and provide support for beggars. The methodology used includes field observation and interviews, with data processed using QSR Nvivo 7. The research indicates that despite the legislative levers in place to eradicate the phenomenon, it is still pervasive in Bucharest mainly due to locals’ acceptance of begging as an indicator of social exclusion and economic deprivation rather than an antisocial phenomenon in its own right. Although measures have been implemented to reduce or even prohibit begging, the authorities are overwhelmed by its prevalence and alternative approaches are needed to address it.