Paper short abstract:

This proposal explores silence within marginalized communities, informed by fieldwork with former prisoners and Irish Travellers. From projects on prison education and out-of-school initiatives, we uncover how silence functions as both oppression and resilience by enabling resistance.

Paper long abstract:

This proposal aims to delve into the intricate dynamics of silence within marginalized communities. Drawing from two distinct projects—one on prison education in Ireland and Greece and another on out-of-school initiatives addressing educational disadvantage among rural Irish Travellers—we seek to illuminate how silence operates as both a tool of oppression and a source of resilience within these contexts. Through life history interviews and narrative inquiry, we aim to uncover nuanced narratives that reveal the multifaceted nature of silence, shedding light on its role in perpetuating systemic injustices while also serving as a means of survival and resistance.

This presentation will offer a rich account of how silence manifests in the lived experiences of individuals navigating the criminal justice system and nomadic lifestyles. By focusing on the voices of those directly impacted by social marginalization, the aim is to challenge dominant narratives surrounding silence and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Through narrative elements and insights gleaned from our fieldwork, we hope to contribute to broader discussions on the intersectionality of silence and its implications for social justice and liberation movements.

By centering marginalized voices and incorporating insights from fieldwork, the aim is to shed light on the complex interplay between silence, agency, and resistance within marginalized communities. Through this exploration, we hope to advance our understanding of silence as a dynamic force within the broader context of social inequality and to foster meaningful dialogue around strategies for promoting social justice and liberation.