Abstract:

Orphanages are shelters for people who are in a dependent capacity. People who spent their childhood and youth in these places may see life from a different perspective. In this study, opinions of people who lived in orphanages about state and citizenship have been researched. The study group is composed of 25 adult people working in public and private sectors in the province of Aksaray and who lived in orphanages in a period of their lives. This study in which descriptive survey was used, qualitative data collection methods were used in data collection. Semi-structured interviews were done with each participant separately for about 45 minutes, and also observational notes were taken. Some questions were directed to determine the adults’ perceptions of the concepts of state and citizenship. Data were analysed according to the qualitative research methods. The findings are important in terms of reflecting the perception of the concepts of state and citizenship of people who has experienced the orphanages. The results offer important suggestions about the orphanages and the education process of children/adolescents who live in these places.

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