'We are the same as everyone else just with a different and unique backstory': Identity, belonging and 'othering' within education for young people who are 'looked after'. (6th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Lisa; Dean, Charlotte; Dunhill, Ally; Hope, Max A.; Shaw, Patricia A.
• Is Part Of: Children & society. Volume 34:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 492
• Page End: 506
• Publication Date: 2020-04-06
• Subjects: belonging -- education -- looked after -- othering -- young people; Children -- Care and hygiene -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Children -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; 362.70941
• DOI: 10.1111/chso.12382
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-0605

Abstract

Abstract: This paper develops understandings of how being publicly identified and consequently labelled as 'looked after' can have damaging consequences for young people, particularly in how they are perceived by their peers in the context of schooling. Based on qualitative research in northern England utilising participatory approaches with young people and interviews with support staff, we explore barriers that inhibit young people's sense of belonging. We highlight how the very processes and practices set up to support the young people can often have unintended consequences by routinely positioning them as Other, before considering the implications for education and schooling in particular.