Stigma or inclusion? How interactions in institutional care shape youth
A new study by associate professor Goran Basic at Linnaeus University and senior lecturer Sophia Yakhlef at Kristianstad University explores how everyday interactions in institutional care settings shape identity formation and social inclusion among marginalised youth.
The study is based on ethnographic data, including interviews, observations, and institutional documents from Swedish special youth homes. The analysis combines social pedagogical, interactionist, ethnomethodological, and intersectional perspectives.
“Narratives from unaccompanied refugees and young people with drug- and crime-related challenges reveal how experiences of trauma, stigmatisation, and contested professional roles intersect to influence selfrepresentation and integration. While some institutional actors offer crucial support, others contribute to exclusion through power-laden practices”, says Goran Basic.
A valuable introduction to symbolic interactionism
A multi-level analysis highlights how explicit conflicts and underlying dynamics shape professional roles and future outcomes.
“Our study underscores the need for empathetic, inclusive, and reflective collaboration among institutional actors to support young people more effectively. We believe that this article serves as a valuable introduction to symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology for scholars deciding which approach to adopt in their research. It may also act as a reference point for practitioners and researchers working on social pedagogical issues within and beyond the Nordic context”, says Goran Basic.
More information
- The article From stigma to inclusion: Ethnographic studies in social pedagogy, published in the magazine Ethnography
- Interviews and observations in the study were conducted in the research projects Youth with war experiences in institutional care and Conflicts in youth-care – accounts, comparisons and alliances