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Abstract

The focus of this research is on the phenomenon of the misunderstood societal grouping of young carers, more specifically, how their role and responsibilities could impact their experience in education. Such a study holds significant importance due to the lack of extensive knowledge regarding the general public and professionals, which can have insidious implications on those young people's well-being and may also result in adverse repercussions for their futures. This dissertation's research approach includes primary data in the form of semi-structured interviews with young carers aged 7-11 to communicate their first-hand experience. Furthermore, the access to children’s voices was vital to eliminate any assumptions drawn on by previous research. The findings from the primary data provide compelling evidence of deficiency of understanding towards young carers, which is inconsistent and not limited to an age or profession, arguably reflecting a sense of societal urgency. The additional findings included the predicament a majority of participants faced regarding disclosing their caring role to peers and the struggle to maintain friendships with non-carers due to the absence of knowledge and fear of marginalisation. Furthermore, the acknowledgement that schools are not limited to providing academic attainment for young carers. The daily interactions could play a vital role in early intervention, accessible support, and positively shaping the futures of those young people socially and emotionally. Consequently, the role and responsibilities of being a young carer do not necessarily have to impact their education as if there was a universal advancement in the understanding of young carers, a considerable amount of the implications found in the primary data from this study would not exist. For this reason, this dissertation recommends a yearning desire for consistency; it should not be acceptable to have vague or no perception of the role or responsibilities young carers face daily; therefore, the earlier the general public is educated, the less likely life-changing repercussions will occur for those young carers.

Course: Childhood and Youth Studies - BA (Hons) - C1989F

Date Deposited: 2022-04-08

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13877.html