Where vulnerability can become a strength: A focused ethnography of a community program for youth exposed to violence

Abstract

There is developing evidence that more effective means for preventing violence should involve social development programs for youths. A focused ethnographic study was conducted over 8 months in a social development program situated in Montreal (Quebec, Canada), aimed at providing support to youths who have been exposed to violence as actors, recipients, or witnesses. The study included participant observation, interviews with youths and staff members, and a review of documents, to examine how the program operates socially and how these social processes affect youths favorably and unfavourably. Youths' experiences with the program were meaningful by permitting them to examine and reflect on who they are, what they have experienced and how to “connect” with others. The safe social space that was created by the youths and coordinators allowed for this meaningful engagement with the program, which led to outcomes that could go beyond the program itself and affected youths' relationships with others, their self-perception, as well as their mental wellbeing. The program contributed to help manage some of the difficulties youths were facing.