PhD ThesisThe methodology of the thesis guided the research focus. It endeavoured to use a
community psychology approach, collaboratively working with Mothers Against
Violence (MAV) - a volunteer group based in Moss Side, Manchester. The research
question evolved through attendance at MAV meetings, where members expressed
concern with how they felt their community was being perceived. Members believed
that negative stereotypes had impacted on investment, employment, public services,
and opportunities for young people.
Five members of MAV were interviewed using semi-structured re-authoring
questions from narrative practice. Interviews were evaluated using narrative and
thematic analysis techniques. As well as highlighting concerns about perceptions,
MAV relayed their community’s attributes including the diverse activities, facilities,
volunteers and community groups locally available. They also gave richer
descriptions of problematic issues with helpful guidance towards future change.
This thesis is introduced with a review of government agendas over the last two
administrations, particularly in relation to communities and young people. The
discussion considers misrepresentations and dominant narratives circulated about
communities facing challenges. These are analysed alongside structural issues such
as inequality. The discussion also raises questions about the effectiveness of current
government agendas in promoting genuine community consultation.
As a developing educational psychologist it is important to be aware of dominant
discourses, and how these could impact on judgements being made about the
people we work with. Being sensitive to how children, families and communities feel
they are storied might encourage more authentic engagement. It is also likely to
result in more relevant, collaboratively designed goals and strategies
