Children, Young People and Borders: A Multidisciplinary Outlook

This edited volume explores the experiences of children and young people in borderlands, focusing on their imaginative, active, cross-border, and material interactions. It aims to advance the theoretical and empirical debate in border studies by adopting a multidisciplinary approach. The chapters were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Borderlands Studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The study of borders and borderlands is a rapidly expanding field, yet the experiences of children and young people in the midst of border changes and crossings remain largely under-explored. This edited volume seeks to address this gap by adopting a multidisciplinary approach. Its primary objective is to enhance knowledge about children and young people who reside in borderlands, navigate through borders, and actively engage in the (de)construction of borders. Furthermore, it aims to highlight the immense potential of examining how children and young people envision, interact, cross, and inhabit symbolic and material borders. By doing so, this volume seeks to contribute to the theoretical and empirical discourse within border studies, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and complexities associated with these border regions.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Borderlands Studies, a renowned publication dedicated to exploring the multifaceted aspects of borders and borderlands. The contributors to this volume are experts in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their research spans various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, geography, education, and psychology, allowing for a comprehensive examination of the experiences of children and young people in borderlands.

The first chapter, titled "Introduction: Children and Young People in Borderlands," provides a comprehensive overview of the book's themes and objectives. It highlights the importance of studying the experiences of children and young people in borderlands, as they are uniquely positioned to navigate the complex dynamics of border crossings and the (de)construction of borders. The chapter also emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding these experiences, as borders are not solely physical but also symbolic and material.

The subsequent chapters delve into the various aspects of children and young people's experiences in borderlands. Chapter 2, "Imagining Borders," explores how children and young people perceive and interpret borders, both physically and symbolically. It examines the role of imagination in shaping their understanding of borders and the ways in which it influences their behavior and interactions. Chapter 3, "Acting on Borders," examines the ways in which children and young people engage with borders, both as agents of change and as victims of border policies and practices. It explores the challenges and opportunities that they face in crossing borders, as well as the strategies they employ to navigate the complexities of border environments.

Chapter 4, "Crossing Borders," focuses on the physical aspects of border crossings, including the experiences of children and young people during migration and asylum seeking. It explores the challenges and risks that they face during these processes, as well as the strategies they employ to survive and thrive in new environments. Chapter 5, "Inhabiting Borders," examines the social and cultural implications of border crossings for children and young people. It explores the ways in which borders shape their identities, relationships, and sense of belonging, as well as the ways in which they negotiate the cultural differences and tensions that arise in border regions.

Chapter 6, "Conclusion: The Future of Children and Young People in Borderlands," summarizes the key findings and implications of the book. It highlights the need for continued research and advocacy to improve the well-being and rights of children and young people in borderlands. It also calls for policymakers and practitioners to recognize the unique challenges and needs of these populations and to develop policies and programs that promote their protection, empowerment, and integration into society.

In conclusion, this edited volume offers a valuable contribution to the growing body of knowledge about children and young people in borderlands. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach and examining the experiences of children and young people in a range of contexts, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with these border regions. The chapters in this book offer valuable insights into the ways in which children and young people imagine, act, cross, and inhabit symbolic and material borders, and they contribute to the theoretical and empirical debate within border studies. This volume is a must-read for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the lives and experiences of children and young people in borderlands.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032258935