Living Like a Girl: Agency, Social Vulnerability and Welfare Measures in Europe and Beyond

The book explores the relationship between changing social conditions and girls' agency, with a particular focus on social services such as school programs and compulsory institutional care. It seeks to expand our understanding of contemporary European girlhood by demonstrating how social problems are managed in different cultural contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 13 August 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

In recent decades, Europe has witnessed significant social transformations that have profoundly impacted the lives of girls. These changes encompass a wide range of issues, including neoliberal social policies, globalization, and the expansion of the European Union (EU). These developments have exerted a substantial influence on the circumstances under which girls shape their lives.

Living Like a Girl delves into the intricate relationship between evolving social conditions and girls' agency, with a particular emphasis on social services such as school programs and compulsory institutional care. The contributions in this collected volume aim to broaden our understanding of contemporary European girlhood by showcasing how social problems are addressed and managed across diverse cultural contexts, political systems, and social structures.

Neoliberal social policies have played a pivotal role in shaping the social landscape of Europe. These policies have emphasized individual responsibility, market-driven solutions, and limited government intervention. As a result, social services, including education and healthcare, have become increasingly privatized, leading to disparities in access and quality. Girls from marginalized communities, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, may face additional barriers to accessing quality education and healthcare, which can have long-term consequences for their well-being and opportunities.

Globalization has also had a profound impact on European girls' lives. The increasing interconnectedness of the world has facilitated the exchange of ideas, cultures, and technologies, leading to a broader range of opportunities for girls. However, it has also brought about challenges, such as the proliferation of child labor, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. Girls from developing countries, who may be vulnerable to these risks due to economic and social factors, may find themselves disproportionately affected by globalization.

The growth of the EU has also had significant implications for European girls' lives. The EU has promoted gender equality, human rights, and social welfare, providing a framework for addressing social problems and promoting social inclusion. However, the EU's policies and regulations may not always be universally applicable, and girls from different member states may face varying levels of access to social services and opportunities.

In conclusion, the social changes that have taken place in Europe in recent decades have had a profound impact on the lives of girls. These changes include neoliberal social policies, globalization, and the growth of the EU. Understanding the relationship between these factors and girls' agency is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions that promote girls' well-being and empowerment. By expanding our understanding of contemporary European girlhood, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all girls.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800731479