Hyper-diversity in/and geographies of childhood and youth

Abstract

This paper reviews recent work on childhood, youth and diversity in geography. It argues for a need to move from conceptualisations of super-diversity to notions of hyper-diversity. Such a move recognises how multiple facets of social difference extend beyond commonly used identity categories deployed in intersectional or superdiverse analyses. In particular, the notion of hyper-diversity enables an exploration of how identity categories articulate with materialities, feelings and everyday practices. The paper sets out some starting propositions for theorisations of hyper-diversity, childhood and youth, whilst recognising the need for critical reflection upon the term’s usefulness, especially when set alongside other conceptual languages for understanding intersections of age with other forms of difference. Finally, the paper introduces the four articles that comprise this special issue.