Key research themes
1. How do theoretical frameworks and ideologies inform effective youth work practice?
This theme explores the critical role that various ideologies and theories borrowed from disciplines such as sociology, psychology, and education play in shaping youth work practice. Understanding these theoretical bases is essential to design interventions that anticipate outcomes, explain practitioner actions, and systematically address youth issues from multiple perspectives. Youth work ideology bridges diverse views—Functionalist, Interactionist, Conflict/Marxist—and incorporates humanistic principles, emphasizing youth agency, development needs, and contextual analysis to foster effective, responsive youth work.
2. How do structural, policy, and community factors shape the provision and impact of youth work internationally?
This theme investigates the influence of local political dynamics, policy frameworks, community engagement, and institutional collaboration on the development, delivery, and effectiveness of youth work. It underscores the contextual variability of youth work shaped by governance structures, policy support, social inclusion efforts, and inter-agency networks. Understanding these factors is critical for designing sustainable, impactful youth programs responsive to the socio-political realities of diverse environments.
3. What approaches in youth work support positive youth engagement, transitions to work, and well-being?
This theme synthesizes research on youth work interventions and strategies that actively promote youth empowerment, re-engagement with education and work, well-being, and democratic participation. It focuses on programmatic innovations like work-based education, integrating youth work into schools, volunteerism, and community empowerment initiatives. Key insights target mechanisms through which youth work fosters agency, optimism, skill-building, and social inclusion, enhancing youth trajectories and community development.