International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue II, February 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

A Cross Cultural Definitions of Orphanages

Azlini, C., Siti Hajar, A. R., & Lukman Z.M.
Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract— Orphans are children with one or both deceased parents in need of care and protection. while, on behalf of the government, the task of running an orphanage as well as providing physical and social facilities is under Social jurisdiction. Therefore, this article aims to discuss cultural definitions of orphanages using the findings of previous studies. The findings show that there is a difference in the definition of orphanage.

Keywords— cultural, institutional care, residential care, orphanages, children institutions, orphans

I. INTRODUCTION

Orphans are children with one or both parents having passed away (Awang et al., 2004; Zhao et al., 2009; The Faith to Action Initiative, 2014; UNICEF, 2015; Bani Ismail et al., 2018; UNICEF, 2019). Children with one deceased parent are classified as ‘single orphans’ or an orphan, while children with both parents being deceased are classified as ‘double orphans” or an orphan (The Faith to Action Initiative, 2014; Monasch & Boerma, 2004; UNICEF, 2017).
Historically, developments in the housing of children have been closely linked to the involvement of the British colonial government (Awang et al., 2004) in addition to the influence of Islam which has greatly shaped the running of orphanages, especially in Peninsular Malaysia since the 15th century (Fulcher & Faizah, 2000). Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), private and religious-based bodies have also taken initiatives to provide housing for orphans and provide educational facilities and skills for them, just like for any other children.
On behalf of the government, the task of running orphanages as well as providing the physical and social facilities is under the jurisdiction of the Social Welfare Department (Azlini et al., 2020). The Department of Social Welfare provides funds to cover the expenses of orphanages, as well as chanelling donations and financial assistance from outside parties concerned about the welfare of these orphans. This is because the Orphanages for Poor Orphans is said to be an institution dedicated to the caring and raising of children who have deceased or missing parents (Kamath et al., 2017). However, different countries have different views and definitions of orphanages.