Young People in Newfoundland and Labrador

Community Connectedness and Opportunities for Social Inclusion

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3349488
AutoresPaul Alhassan Issahaku (0000-0003-3726-2277, Memorial University of Newfoundland, autor de correspondencia), Anda Adam (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
Año2022
Volumen12
Número3
Fecha de publicación2022-07-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/21582440221113845
OpenAlexW4286267954
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas110

Globally, young people are a major demographic group and a key constituency in socioeconomic policy considerations. However, in a neoliberal era, the social inclusion of youth is in jeopardy. This qualitative study explored young people's connectedness to community and opportunities for social inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador. The perspectives of social capital, social exclusion, and sense of community provided a theoretical framework for the study. A purposive sample of 23 youth aged 15 to 24 years provided data through interviews, which we analyzed inductively, using thematic analysis. We found that young people connected to their communities through informal associations and non-profit organizations. These structures provided networks of supportive relationships and inclusive spaces, where young people felt a sense of belonging, and had opportunities for participation. Opportunities took the form of resources and activities that promoted personal growth and community building. For example, through associations and non-profit organizations, participants engaged in general educational development, entrepreneurial training, part-time and volunteer work, and advocacy. However, participants also reported some barriers to inclusion in their communities. Personal level factors, such as illness and environmental level factors, such as low-income and social stigma were barriers to inclusion. These findings provide a basis for policymakers and practitioners to promote youth social inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador

Community organization · Economic growth · Political science · Population · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sense of community · Social capital · Social connectedness · Social exclusion · Social science · Socioeconomic status · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Youth studies · Community Health and Development · Gender Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics