Violence, Evidence, Youth 

This paper explores the evidence available on the role of work in youth participation in
violence, through a study of recent research and evidence in this field. The evidence
review considers the role of ‘work’ broadly, seeking to go beyond restricted definitions
of waged and formal sector employment or underemployment. It considers the role of
formal and informal work, different forms of work, and the various potential roles – both
positive and negative – that work may play in youth participation in violence. The study
will also employ a broad definition of ‘violence’ – considering youth participation in
organised, mass-mobilised conflicts; ‘radicalised’ or ‘extremist’ violent groups; less
formal, criminal violence; and, where relevant, interpersonal violence. The deliberately
broad definition of violence facilitates a focused analysis of the evidence and research
surrounding the role of work in youth engagement in all forms of violence that
constitute a disengagement from a peaceful social order, recognising the interlinkages
between multiple and varied outward manifestations of violence (for example, criminal,
economic, political and interpersonal violence). The study explores the evidence for the
role of work in youth violence participation at the intersection of multiple forms of work,
multiple forms of violence, and multiple forms of participation, mapping gaps in existing
research and evidence, and opportunities for further research and analysis. Attention
will be concentrated on research and evidence produced after 2010, building on the
work of Cramer (2010) on unemployment and violence. 

30 p.; illus.; 28 cm