Vulnerability, surveillance, and youth development: growing up experiences of ethnic minority girls in Bradford, UK

Social context has been identified as a key component towards positive socio-developmental outcomes in young people. Whilst various research has considered how socio-ecological contexts shape youth outcomes generally, there is a distinct lack of focus on the intersectional experiences of ethnic minority girls growing up in socioeconomically deprived areas of the UK. In this paper, we explore how social context shapes experiences of vulnerability within such a population. We define vulnerability here not as an inherent fragility, but as a structural condition created by the intersection of systemic racism, gender-based expectations, and economic deprivation. The research is informed by in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups and wider, informal community consultation. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes concerning sources of vulnerability (protection of girls and lack of support) and addressing vulnerability (culturally sensitive local provisions and female role models). Ultimately, it is vital that the specific interests of ethnic minority girls remain central to discussions of local provision, and that their distinct needs are not overlooked in interventions aiming to enhance positive developmental outcomes.