‘Love’ in the care system: A narrative review from care leavers in Scotland

Weir, Janet (2023). ‘Love’ in the care system: A narrative review from care leavers in Scotland. Student dissertation for The Open University module E822 Masters multi-disciplinary dissertation: education, childhood and youth.

This dissertation was produced by a student studying the Open University module E822 Masters multi-disciplinary dissertation: education, childhood and youth. The research showcased here achieved a Distinction.
Please note that this student dissertation is made available in the format that it was submitted for examination, thus the author has not been able to correct errors and/or departures from academic standards in areas such as referencing.
Copyright resides with the author.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.000175bf

Abstract

The aim of this small-scale narrative-based study which was conducted with seven young adults between 18 and 25 years, was to explore what love in the care system meant to those with lived experience in Scotland. The underpinning philosophy was through a social constructionist lens and Pierre Bourdieu’s work was highlighted to pinpoint researcher positionality. Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis was used to create five key themes that showed the main factors relating to ‘love’ for the participants, in their care settings. The findings could serve to aid reflection and/or influence practice among professionals in the field, by gaining an insight into participants world view of love in the care system.