Citation

Bilotta N, Denov M. Br. J. Soc. Work 2018; 48(6): 1576-1593.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/bjsw/bcx130

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article explores the theoretical binary that has tended to encompass the majority of scholarship with unaccompanied refugee young people (URYP) affected by armed conflict. In this paper, we argue that URYP scholars often theorise this population via either a trauma/victimisation framework or resiliency lens, which creates a distinct binary. While these opposing theoretical perspectives provide important insight into understanding URYP's experiences, this conceptual binary has tended to neglect the nexus of factors for URYP who are resourceful and determined in particular aspects of their lives, while simultaneously being vulnerable in others. We suggest that a more nuanced exploration of theoretical frameworks is necessary, specific to URYP's experiences. Moreover, we call for greater analysis of theories that emerge from both the Global North and, particularly, the Global South in order to gain a more holistic appreciation of the complex lives and realities of URYP, whether during armed conflict or in its aftermath. By uniting trauma and resilience theories and integrating theories from the Global South, from where a majority of URYP originate, scholars may provide a richer account of URYP that is not only beneficial for global discourse, but may have greater significance for URYP who attempt to make meaning out of their experiences.