Paper long abstract:

This paper asks why some youth are able to ‘beat the odds’ despite the odds being stacked against them early in life. The data come from Young Lives, an international mixed-methods study of childhood poverty tracing the life trajectories of two age cohorts over a fifteen-year period. We examine youth outcomes (age 22) and look back in time to understand what supported those who were faring well in the face of adversity. We present findings from analysis of a selection of the young people’s in-depth narratives about their changing routines, relationships, circumstances and contexts. Among other factors, the paper looks at the crucial role of children’s social relationships and support networks, migration, institutional barriers and the importance of hope and ‘second chances’ in explaining positive youth outcomes. However, the longitudinal and life course approach shows that trajectories remain fragile and futures uncertain.