Begging in the Brussels-Capital Region

Begging in the Brussels Capital Region: a reality from various perspectives

This research project studies begging in Brussels from different perspectives in order to co-create evidence-based and experience-based policy and practice. While ongoing research at KU Leuven quantifies some aspects of begging, our research offers a complementary multi-method approach. Despite the clear presence of begging in Brussels and the expertise in the field, there is little scientific research on recent evolutions and the actual situation of people and families who beg in the Brussels Capital Region. The social, policy-related and economic importance of begging contrast with the lack of knowledge and especially of a shared vision of begging.

In this study we map out the profiles of people who beg, by means of participant observation, analysis of registration data, interviews and Photovoice. We pay attention to the living environment of people who beg and look for situations that may cause friction with other users of public space and/or with the government. We focus on longitudinal follow-up of people who beg. In addition, we investigate the impact of begging on other possible stakeholders, such as shopkeepers, local residents, police, local government or passers-by. The voices of the various parties involved are structurally represented via learning networks. In this way we lay the foundations for a process of joint vision development that also leads to a stronger social work practice embedded in the reality of Brussels.

• Stef Adriaenssens, KU Leuven
• Diogenes vzw
• Foyer vzw, Dienst Roma & Woonwagenbewoners
• Kenniscentrum Kinderrechten vzw (KeKi)