Much like other forms of social behavior, becoming a runaway requires exposure to the actions and attitudes of others as a mechanism for learning the runaway role. Exposure helps shape this role, allows individuals to identify with the role, and ultimately to identify themselves as runaways. The concept of career is central, in that it allows the identification of where in the overall process young persons see themselves. Thus, running away is a process of action and reaction, unfolding over time; becoming a runaway is the end product of the individual's actions, reasons, and symbols. The runaway is not viewed as a child who leaves home, but rather as an individual who engages in social encounters that elucidate the everyday problems and predicaments of living away from home. 10 references. (Author abstract modified)