Unprecedented global challenges faced by ‘short changed’ youth explored in new special issue of the Journal of the British Academy

A new special issue of the Journal of the British Academy details young people’s proactive responses to unprecedented global challenges.

Being and becoming – uncertain youth futures, published today, explores the many challenges – from climate change and infectious diseases to gender-based discrimination and widespread lack of good jobs – facing a ‘short changed’ generation globally.

Articles in this issue address:

• the global gambling boom’s impact on young people in sub-Saharan Africa
• the disruptive effect of climate change on young people’s livelihoods in Uganda
• young people’s involvement in climate and environmental social action
• the links between technical and vocational education and training and sustainable employment for young women in Cameroon and Sierra Leone

Most of the research presented in this special issue stems from the British Academy’s Youth Futures research funding scheme. The Youth Futures research funding scheme is designed to support research which brings a youth-led perspective on the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Projects funded under this scheme involve genuine interdisciplinarity, collaborative work that extends beyond the standard research model, and policy thinking based on close understanding of, and working with, young people at various stages of ‘getting by’.

This edition of the Journal of the British Academy, Being and becoming – uncertain youth futures, was edited by Dr Anna Barford, who works at the International Labour Organization, while holding a Bye Fellowship in Geography at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge.

Dr Anna Barford, Bye Fellow in Geography at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, said: 

“While many wealthier countries are experiencing labour shortages, many economically poorer countries face saturated labour markets. Young people are especially impacted by this lack of jobs, as they find or create work, albeit often on unfavourable terms. Their challenges span from completing education and finding work, to navigating conflict and responding to climate change. This special issue shares new research into young people’s constraints and opportunities and, importantly, much of this research has been guided, and at times, even led, by young researchers.”