Critical Conversations. Narratives of youth work practice in austerity Ireland

Author
Abstract

This paper presents findings from an ongoing study into the impact of austerity on youth work Ireland. The paper discusses the impact of austerity on youth work identity, youth work practice, the relationship between youth work and the State and the emergence of the Irish Youth Workers Association. The findings highlight that austerity is having a significant and indeed detrimental impact on youth work identity and practice in Ireland. At a national level there is a tension between institutional recognition and the cumulative impact of disproportionate cuts which limit the ability of the sector to offer quality youth work practice. The findings offer an insight into the structural and psychological impact of austerity at the level of practice. This is a story of youth work trying to do more with less resources. Also the findings present grounds for optimism as youth work is shown to be resistant in the face of an austerity programme that is challenging its identity and legitimacy.

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Melaugh B. (2015) "Critical Conversations. Narratives of youth work practice in austerity Ireland " Italian Journal of Sociology of Education, 7(1), 97-117. DOI: 10.14658/PUPJ-IJSE-2015-1-5  
Year of Publication
2015
Journal
Italian Journal of Sociology of Education
Volume
7
Issue Number
1
Start Page
97
Last Page
117
Date Published
02/2015
ISSN Number
2035-4983
Serial Article Number
5
DOI
10.14658/PUPJ-IJSE-2015-1-5
Issue
Section
Special Section