This study is a critical investigation of how disabled youth work practitioners use their experiences to shape their youth work practices. This was done through the use of three research questions: How do disabled youth work practitioners identify and conceptualise themselves in a professional setting; How do disabled youth work practitioners utilise the idea of self in their practice; and to what extent is intersectional identity experienced by disabled youth work practitioners. The research incorporated literature and ideas from a variety of disciplines including youth work, disability studies, and philosophy, due to the breadth of the subjects which contribute to the concepts being discussed. Key themes and ideas from this study include disability language and perspectives, the idea of self and how it relates to youth work, and the difference between authenticity and realness. Alongside this in order to help answer these research questions most appropriately, a qualitative research method was selected. This took the shape of eight one to one semi-structured interviews with disabled youth workers from around the United Kingdom which were facilitated by video conferencing software. The findings from this study include ideas of inclusivity and accommodations; imposter's syndrome, self and intersectionality; safeguarding; and space.
| Date of Award | 19 Dec 2022 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Paul Thomas (Main Supervisor) & Rajesh Patel (Co-Supervisor) |
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