Research Informed Youth Work Practice in Northern Ireland: Recommendations for Engaging Adolescent Boys and Young Men

ABSTRACT

Since the latter part of the twentieth century there has been increasing recognition of the need for more effective approaches to engaging adolescent boys. Much of the focus in youth work practice and research has previously been dominated by attempts to better understand young male bio-social and cognitive development through examining high risk issues such as offending, violence, substance use, anti-social behaviour and mental health. The recent interest in critical studies of masculinities have further highlighted complex and contradictory ways in which traditional notions of becoming a man impact, often negatively, upon male behaviour and development. Despite increased awareness and concern about adolescent male development, practitioners across various professions frequently report finding it difficult to engage positively with certain young men and admit to lacking the confidence and skills to develop meaningful practice. This paper draws upon thirty years’ experience of youth work practice and social research carried out by the authors with adolescent boys within a divided and contested political context. However, while the article draws upon local research findings and practice experiences from Northern Ireland, we believe the learning will be of value to educators and practitioners working with adolescent boys in other societies and contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• Young men
• masculinity

Acknowledgements

The authors would like acknowledge Professor Sam McCready co-founder and co-director of the Centre for Young Men’s Studies at Ulster University who was involved in all aspects of the Centre’s work from 2004–2015.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Colm Walsh

Dr Colm Walsh is a research fellow at Queens University Belfast with an interest in young men’s work, masculinity, trauma and violence. He is currently chair of the Northern Ireland Serious Youth Violence Research and Policy Group.

Ken Harland

Dr Ken Harland is a former senior lecturer in community youth work at University of Ulster and director of the Centre for Young Men’s Studies. Ken is a consultant to youth work organisations in Ireland and across the UK, specialising in young men’s work and conflict.