Growing Up and Getting By: International Perspectives on Childhood and Youth in Hard Times

This book explores how children and young people across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas experience and cope with situations of poverty and precarity, looking at the impact of neoliberalism, austerity, and the global economic crisis. It also examines how they care for one another and envisage more hopeful socio-political futures.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 372 pages
\n Publication date: 28 April 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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This comprehensive book delves into the diverse experiences and coping mechanisms of children and young people across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, who face the challenges of poverty and precarity. By amalgamating cutting-edge research from various disciplines, it sheds light on the profound impact of neoliberalism, austerity measures, and the global economic crisis on their lives. Through extensive evidence, it highlights the multifaceted harms and inequalities these policies have generated, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative solutions.

Furthermore, the book explores the resilience and adaptability of children, young people, and their families in navigating these challenging circumstances. It showcases their remarkable efforts to support and care for one another, fostering a sense of community and hope for a more inclusive and equitable socio-political future. By examining their strategies, aspirations, and innovative approaches, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of poverty and precarity and offers valuable lessons for policymakers, educators, and community leaders.

In conclusion, this book is a vital contribution to the understanding of the lived realities of children and young people in poverty and precarity. It underscores the importance of empathy, solidarity, and collective action to address the systemic issues that perpetuate these conditions and create a more just and compassionate world for all.

Introduction:
The challenges of poverty and precarity are pervasive across the world, affecting millions of children and young people. These situations not only impact their physical and emotional well-being but also have long-term consequences for their social and economic development. In response to these challenges, there has been a growing interest in understanding the experiences and coping mechanisms of children and young people in these contexts.

This comprehensive book delves into the diverse experiences and coping mechanisms of children and young people across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, who face the challenges of poverty and precarity. By amalgamating cutting-edge research from various disciplines, it sheds light on the profound impact of neoliberalism, austerity measures, and the global economic crisis on their lives. Through extensive evidence, it highlights the multifaceted harms and inequalities these policies have generated, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative solutions.

Furthermore, the book explores the resilience and adaptability of children, young people, and their families in navigating these challenging circumstances. It showcases their remarkable efforts to support and care for one another, fostering a sense of community and hope for a more inclusive and equitable socio-political future. By examining their strategies, aspirations, and innovative approaches, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of poverty and precarity and offers valuable lessons for policymakers, educators, and community leaders.

In conclusion, this book is a vital contribution to the understanding of the lived realities of children and young people in poverty and precarity. It underscores the importance of empathy, solidarity, and collective action to address the systemic issues that perpetuate these conditions and create a more just and compassionate world for all.

Impact of Neoliberalism, Austerity, and the Global Economic Crisis:
Neoliberalism, characterized by the deregulation of markets, privatization of public services, and reduced government intervention, has had a profound impact on children and young people's lives. The shift towards market-driven policies has led to increased inequality, reduced social welfare provisions, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Austerity measures, implemented in response to the global economic crisis, have further exacerbated the situation. These measures have resulted in cuts to public spending, job losses, and reduced social protection for vulnerable populations, including children and young people. As a result, many children and young people face food insecurity, homelessness, and limited access to essential services.

The global economic crisis has also led to increased migration, particularly within and between countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Children and young people who are migrants or refugees often face additional challenges, including discrimination, exploitation, and limited access to education and healthcare.

In addition to these direct impacts, neoliberalism, austerity, and the global economic crisis have also had broader societal consequences. They have contributed to the erosion of social cohesion, increased social unrest, and the rise of populist movements. These factors have further marginalized children and young people, making it more difficult for them to access opportunities and participate in decision-making processes.

To address these challenges, it is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of these policies and their impact on children and young people. Policymakers and educators need to prioritize policies that promote social inclusion, equity, and resilience, while also addressing the root causes of poverty and precarity. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and social protection programs, as well as promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize the role that children and young people can play in shaping their own futures. By providing them with opportunities for education, skill development, and participation in decision-making processes, they can become agents of change and contribute to the development of more inclusive and sustainable societies.

In conclusion, the impact of neoliberalism, austerity, and the global economic crisis on children and young people's lives is profound and multifaceted. These policies have led to increased inequality, reduced social welfare provisions, limited access to education and healthcare, and increased social unrest. To address these challenges, it is essential to prioritize policies that promote social inclusion, equity, and resilience, while also addressing the root sustainable economic growth and job creation. By recognizing the role that children and young people can play in shaping their own futures, we can create a more just and compassionate world for all.

Resilience and Adaptability of Children, Young People, and Families:
Despite the challenges posed by poverty and precarity, children, young people, and their families demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability. They develop innovative strategies to cope with their circumstances and create a sense of stability and security.

One of the key strategies that children, young people, and their families employ is community support. They form networks of support, both within and outside their families, to share resources, provide emotional support, and offer assistance in times of need. These networks can include extended family members, neighbors, religious institutions, and community organizations.

Children, young people, and their families also prioritize education as a means of escaping poverty and achieving their aspirations. They often seek out alternative education programs, such as community-based schools or vocational training, that are tailored to their needs and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure better job opportunities.

In addition to education, children, young people, and their families also engage in various forms of self-care and well-being. They prioritize physical health by maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and access to healthcare services. They also engage in activities that promote mental health, such as meditation, art therapy, and storytelling.

Furthermore, children, young people, and their families are often creative in finding solutions to their problems. They may engage in entrepreneurial activities, such as selling goods or services in their communities, or participate in community-based initiatives that address social and environmental issues. They may also use their skills and knowledge to develop innovative technologies or solutions that address their specific needs.

Despite these strategies, children, young people, and their families face ongoing challenges. They may face discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion, which can limit their opportunities and perpetuate their poverty. They may also face barriers to accessing education and healthcare services, which can further exacerbate their health and well-being.

To address these challenges, it is essential to promote policies and programs that support the resilience and adaptability of children, young people, and their families. This includes providing access to education and healthcare services, promoting social inclusion and diversity, and addressing the root causes of poverty and precarity, such as discrimination and inequality.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize the role that children and young people can play in advocating for their rights and promoting social change. By engaging in advocacy and activism, they can raise awareness about the issues they face and mobilize support for policies that address their needs. They can also participate in decision-making processes, such as community-based organizations or youth councils, to ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives are taken into account.

In conclusion, children, young people, and their families demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of poverty and precarity. They develop innovative strategies to cope with their circumstances and create a sense of stability and security. By prioritizing education, self-care, and community support, they are able to escape poverty and achieve their aspirations. However, they face ongoing challenges that require policies and programs that support their resilience and adaptability. By promoting policies and programs that support the resilience and adaptability of children, young people, and their families, we can create a more just and compassionate world for all.

\n Weight: 706g\n
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781447352891\n \n