Youth Migration and the Politics of Wellbeing Stories of Life in Transition : Stories of Life inTransition

This book examines the factors affecting the health and wellbeing of young people as they transition to adulthood under the shadow of migration control. Drawing on unique longitudinal data, the book illuminates how they conceptualize wellbeing for themselves and others in contexts of prolonged and politically induced uncertainty. The book offers an in-depth analysis of the experiences of over one hundred unaccompanied young migrants, primarily from Afghanistan, Albania, and Eritrea. It shows the lengths these young people will go to in pursuit of safety, security, and the futures they aspire to. Interdisciplinary in nature, the book champions a new political economy analysis of wellbeing in the context of migration and demonstrates the urgent need for policy reform. This book examines the factors affecting the health and wellbeing of young people as they transition to adulthood under the shadow of migration control. Drawing on unique longitudinal data, it illuminates how they conceptualize wellbeing for themselves and others in contexts of prolonged and politically induced uncertainty. The authors offer an in-depth analysis of the experiences of over one hundred unaccompanied young migrants, primarily from Afghanistan, Albania and Eritrea. They show the lengths these young people will go to in pursuit of safety, security and the futures they aspire to. Interdisciplinary in nature, the book champions a new political economy analysis of wellbeing in the context of migration and demonstrates the urgent need for policy reform. Front cover Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Figures Acknowledgements Foreword ‘Future’ 1. Introduction 2. Conceptualizing Wellbeing in the Context of Migration and Youth Transitions 3. Capturing Wellbeing in Transition: An Alternative Approach 4. ‘Iron Rod’ or ‘Colander’? Welfare Regimes in England 55and Italy 5. The Pursuit of Safety and Freedom 6. Legal Integrity and Recognition 7. Identity and Belonging 8. Constructing Viable Futures as ‘Adults’ 9. Emotional and Mental Wellbeing 10. Friendships, Connections and Relationships 11. Transnational Family and Connections 12. Conclusion Endnotes References Index Back cover Drawing on accounts of unaccompanied migrant young people becoming adult, this book offers a political economy analysis of wellbeing in the context of migration and demonstrates the urgent need for policy reform.