<![CDATA[The phenomenon of beggars in Banjarmasin City reflects a fairly complex social problem. This issue is not only caused by poverty, but also by low levels of education, lack of skills, and a social environment that encourages individuals to make begging part of their daily routines and means of survival. The study aims to explore how individuals begin, experience, and eventually accept the role of a beggar in their everyday lives. This research uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method, through data collection in the form of observation, in-depth interviews with beggars and supporting informants, as well as documentation. The data were analyzed using the Manual Data Analysis Procedure (MDAP), involving several stages: field notes, transcription, coding, categorization, theme identification, and memo writing.The findings of this study show that the social construction of beggars in Banjarmasin City is formed through three interconnected processes: (1) externalization, when individuals start begging due to economic hardship and limited life options; (2) objectivation, when the act of begging is seen as normal by society and accepted by the beggars themselves; and (3) internalization, when the role of a beggar becomes part of one’s identity and is lived out naturally. This shows that begging is maintained not only because of economic factors but also due to habitual patterns and social acceptance.Academically, this research serves as a reference for future studies in urban sociology and social pathology. Practically, it encourages the formation of inclusive policies and sustainable empowerment programs for beggars in urban settings.]]>
