Continuity,Complexity and Reciprocity in a Cambodian Orphanage

Although Cambodia's ‘orphanage boom’ has sparked widespread concern, the children in Cambodia's orphanages are often faring well. Participant‐observation research reveals distinctive elements of one Cambodian orphanage that may contribute to the well‐being of the resident children. These include the complexity of the environment, its continuity with the surrounding community and reciprocity of access, which not only makes community resources available to the resident children but also makes orphanage resources available to the community.