Description
Book SynopsisFor many children and young people, Britain is a harmful society in which to grow up. This book contextualizes the violence that occurs between a small number of young people within a wider perspective on social harm. Aimed at academics, youth workers and policy makers, the book presents a new way to make sense of this pressing social problem. The authors also propose measures to substantially improve the lives of Britain’s young people in areas ranging from the early years to youth services and the criminal justice system.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Against Youth Violence and Against ‘Youth Violence’ A harmful society Why are we ‘against youth violence’? Structure and style 1. The Nature and Scale of Interpersonal Violence in Britain Introduction Sources of data: strengths and limitations Interpersonal violence in England and Wales Interpersonal violence in London Conclusion 2. Developing an Approach to Social Harm Introduction Why not simply focus on ‘crime’ in children and young people’s lives? From crime to social harm Our approach to social harm Conclusion 3. The Importance of Mattering in Young People’s Lives Introduction The importance of mattering An insecure society? Social changes and global processes affecting young people’s sense of mattering in Britain today Conclusion 4. Social Harm and Mattering in Young People’s Lives Introduction Poverty and inequality Declining welfare support: under-resourced communities and social care systems Schools and education Unemployment and ‘marginal work’ Housing and homelessness Harm and subjectivity, structure and agency Relative prevalence of social harms Conclusion 5. Social Harm, Mattering and Violence Introduction The functions of violence and the factors most commonly associated with it Social harm, the struggle to matter and the propensity to engage in violence Conclusion 6. Harmful Responses to ‘Youth Violence’ Introduction An age-old mythology perennially resurfacing with ‘perpetual novelty’ Demonize them Punish and control them Save them Conclusion Conclusion: Towards a Less Harmful Society for Young People Introduction The central arguments of this book: social harm, mattering and violence between young people 2030: a near-future dystopia The changes that we need to improve life for Britain’s young people Address harm, reduce inequality, enhance care
