Grassroots youth work: Policy, passion and resistance in practice

Abstract

This engaging book paints a picture of passionate grassroots youth workers, at a time when their practice is threatened by spending cuts, target cultures and market imperatives. Using interviews, dialogue and research diary excerpts the author brings youth work practice and theory to life. GRASSROOTS YOUTH WORK; Contents; Note; Dedication; List of tables; List of abbreviations; Acknowledgements ; 1. Introduction; What is youth work?; Part-time youth workers, past and present; Research methods; Policy, passion and resistance; Outline of the book; 2. The marketisation of youth work; Youth work in the Big Society; Navigating the youth work market; Conclusion; 3. Passionate practice; Love and passion; Exploited emotions?; Passionate resistance; Conclusion; 4. Target cultures and performativity; Youth work and performativity; Authenticity and the youth worker identity Contesting and subverting performativityConclusion: breaking the rules?; 5. Surveillance on the street; Youth work on the streets; Working -- and not working -- with the police; Tracking and databases; Conclusion; 6. Practising differently; Doing something different in the world; Reflections on VOY; Resistance through alternatives; Conclusion; 7. Reclaiming and reimagining youth work; Key findings; Developing critical passionate practice; Recommendations; Conclusion; Afterword; Afterword: Research methodology; Research methods; Analysis and writing; Theoretical and practical underpinnings ConclusionAppendix; Research participants; References; Index