Homelessness and the Sexual Rights of Adolescents: An Ethical Analysis
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the sexual rights of homeless adolescents. After a brief presentation of the ethical foundation of these rights in the capabilities approach and noting the relevance of the concept of relational autonomy, an ethical analysis of a specific problem is performed, namely the risky sexual behavior of homeless adolescents. It is argued that although these young people have moral agency it is not fully developed and thus they cannot be held to the same standards of responsibility as are adults. Thus, we can see the importance of interventions that empower homeless youth to protect their own sexual health through risk-avoidance or harm reduction strategies.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Homelessness and Social Issues
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
Children's Rights and Participation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Youth
- Volume
- 6
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 6–6
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN