Vulnerability or Vulnerabilities: Contestation of Applied Markers of Identity

Abstract

This chapter examines the term Vulnerability and interrogates the assumptions held about it as a concept often mutually agreed upon but not mutually understood. Policy and practice emerging out of a drive to identify those deemed vulnerable is common to all aspects of work across multiple state agencies such as schools, care and social work sectors but across these professions, those regarded as vulnerable are often grouped together without an in-depth analysis of cause. Identity Politics provides a lens from which to examine these issues and to begin to address some of the ways individuals may be regarded as vulnerable. Emerging from this, an analysis of different aspects of identity gives rise to modes of vulnerability and what this might mean for professionals engaged with individuals whose needs are multiple and complex. The political context for an examination of how vulnerability is understood and addressed across state sectors is introduced.

Citation

Gillespie, A. (2022), "Vulnerability or Vulnerabilities: Contestation of Applied Markers of Identity", McGovern, W., Gillespie, A. and Woodley, H. (Ed.) Understanding Safeguarding for Children and Their Educational Experiences, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 23-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-709-120221003