Left behind, yet holding on to belonging: A case study on psychosocial risks and resilience in the context of seasonal agricultural migration

Abstract

This case study examines the social, emotional, and educational development experiences of five-year-old Ahmet, who participates in seasonal agricultural migration, from a multidimensional perspective. The aim of the study is to make visible the individual experiences of children exposed to structural inequalities created by migration and to examine the effects of these experiences in depth. Conducted as a comprehensive single-case study, the research analyzed the environmental risks, family losses, and educational disruptions Ahmet encountered, using Bentovim's Child Protection Assessment and Analysis Framework as a basis. Qualitative data obtained from natural observations, unstructured interviews, and child-centered creative activities were used in the data collection process. The findings show that Ahmet was exposed to inadequate health and housing conditions, emotional deprivation, and social exclusion, but protective factors such as individual support efforts and the strong emotional bond he formed with his sibling increased his psychological resilience. The results of the study point to the importance of individualized support mechanisms in the education and social integration processes of children experiencing seasonal agricultural migration. This study contributes to the development of applicable solutions for reducing social inequalities by discussing the multidimensional challenges faced by children in the context of seasonal agricultural work in light of the literature.