Like someone’s got you”

External supports for youth activists and intersectional justice

Bibliographic Data

ID11070432
AuthorsStephanie C Serriere (Indiana University – Purdue University Columbus, corresponding author), Laura Palomino (0000-0002-7707-2817, Indiana University – Purdue University Columbus), Victoria Gilles (Indiana University – Purdue University Columbus), Christian Litsey (Indiana University – Purdue University Columbus), Priscilla Villareal (Indiana University – Purdue University Columbus)
Year2023
Volume51
Issue4
Pages559-586
Publication date2023-10-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTheory & Research in Social Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-3104 • E-ISSN: 2163-1654
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00933104.2023.2226617
OpenAlexW4383314147
LanguageEN
References cited57

The necessity of providing specific forms of support to youth activists engaged in the pursuit of racial and intersectional justice is evident, especially given current unsupportive political contexts of anti-protest and anti-Critical Race Theory legislation. Hence, this qualitative research study assigns importance to the firsthand experiences of youth activists, aged 14–18, to identify external supports (outside of themselves, such as in their school and community). Firstly, the study reveals that youth identify a key external support as the actions taken by adults to bolster their activism. These actions include serving as role models for activism, collaborating with young activists in a nonhierarchical manner, establishing connections with individuals and resources, and striving to ensure their safety. Secondly, youth activists detail the supportive role of belonging, directly or distantly, in coalitions and clubs largely outside of the school day. Understanding the experiences of highly engaged yet vulnerable youth who advocate for presently “risky” subjects forms a crucial aspect of promoting their quest for justice and an elusive asset of safety. The findings uphold a more comprehensive understanding of the frequently cited justice-oriented approach and equitable “asset-enhancing” communities

Asset (computer security · Community organizing · Criminology · Economic Justice · Legislation · Political science · Politics · Positive Youth Development · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Educator Training and Historical Pedagogy · Law · Teacher Education and Leadership Studies · Youth Development and Social Support

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