I’m just reading Blackman and Rogers (2017) text on youth marginality. As ever, several statements jump off the page at me. Here is one to consider:
“For MacDonald (1997, p.6), negative labels that describe youth marginality are ‘an ideological red herring which divert attention from the real causes of poverty and the real problems faced by the poor’…. Marginal, underclass, precariate, yobs, hooligans, disconnected, disposed, socially excluded, feckless, rabble, scum, zonards, outsiders, lumpen proletariat, disadvantaged, vulnerable. The proliferation of these labels, according to Wacquant (2008, p.245), ‘speaks volumes on the state of symbolic derangement afflicting the fringes and fissures of the recomposed social and urban structure’” P.7
What is the answer to this, what can we individually and collectively do to change these stereotypes so that the true issues are revealed and young people are treated like human beings?
I am a Professor of Social and Health Inequality and Director of the Centre for Research in Health and Society at the University of Cumbria where I lead research into inequalities locally, nationally and globally.
I am passionate about critical pedagogy, empowerment and agency and how they contribute to wellbeing and social justice. To that end I strive towards and support others to develop asset-balanced and person-centred, critically pedagogical practice – quite a mouthful! I also pursue interests in relational leadership, collaborative practice and small acts of leadership.
Methodologically I am predominantly a qualitative researcher interested in socially just and authentic methods that enable people to contribute the most. I have a keen interest in evidencing the impact of youth work in ways that contribute to the young person as much as the organisation supporting them, and I work closely with Brathay Trust, the North West Regional Impact Hub for the Centre of Youth Impact.
My professional background includes primary, secondary and higher education teaching, youth work, social care, outdoor education, research and higher education all as a practitioner, manager and leader. This experience led to my passion for wellbeing and social justice on a global, national and local scale. This blog is my small attempt to support change in these arenas by sharing evidence and my views in order to increase critical consciousness and leverage action.
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