E-Thesis 298 views 231 downloads
Cynefin - A Zemiological Examination into Vulnerable Children in Wales and Scotland / Marie-Alaina Turner
Swansea University Author: Marie-Alaina Turner
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.69832
Abstract
Cynefin – is a Welsh word that has no direct translation into English. It is a feeling, being of a place, it describes the elements and experiences of our environment that influence us and how we see the world and shape our identity and our well-being, it is a feeling of belonging. Children who are...
| Published: |
Swansea, Wales, UK
2025
|
|---|---|
| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Chales, Anthony ; Janes, Joseph |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69832 |
| Abstract: |
Cynefin – is a Welsh word that has no direct translation into English. It is a feeling, being of a place, it describes the elements and experiences of our environment that influence us and how we see the world and shape our identity and our well-being, it is a feeling of belonging. Children who are sequestered in to the care system become a number in the system and measurements on their behaviour, achievements and stability are taken to understand the success or failure, of their corporate parent. Their need for love, security and a sense of belonging appear to be lost in the noise. This study applies a zemiological lens to examine the avoidable social harms experienced by children and young people with care experience in the devolved nations of Wales and Scotland. Zemiology, the study of social harms beyond legal frameworks, reveals how systemic failings in care provision generate multilayered harms including physical, emotional, financial, harms of recognition, and autonomy harms that collectively restrict opportunities, perpetuate inequality, silence the voice of the vulnerable and negatively impact life trajectories. Using a constructivist, embedded single case study design, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, visual timelines, and online surveys with care-experienced children, adults with care experience as children, and professionals. Reflexive thematic analysis identified 4 core themes: The Role of Social Services and Key Workers; The Extremes of Fostering; Harm to Crime; and Belonging. Findings illuminate the emotional and psychological toll of unstable placements, the trauma of edge-of-care experiences, failure of hearing the child’s voice, and the hidden pain of unsupported carers. This research highlights critical gaps in current policies and practices, particularly, rigid working hours, underinvestment in support services, inadequate post-care support and lack of positive role models. Recommendations urge devolved governments to restructure social service working hours, increase financial and human resource investment, enhance post-care transition schemes, and implement mentoring programs to provide consistent, supportive adult relationships. By linking zemiology with the lived experiences of children under corporate parenting, this thesis contributes to the understanding of structural harms in care systems and advocates for radical systemic reform to transform social mobility and outcomes for care experienced young people. Further longitudinal and comparative research is urgently recommended to deepen insights and promote policy change. Ultimately, this study urges policymakers to actively address the preventable harms endured by one of society’s most vulnerable populations; harms which can have long term and significant negative impact. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
zemiology, devolution, local authority child care systems, Wales, Scotland, social harm, children, vulnerable |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Funders: |
ESRC |