The Unaccompanied Migrating Child as Social and Political Agent

• In Event: 33.078 - Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 33.078-10 - Seeing Selves Through Others' Eyes: Politics and Identity Formation Among Immigrant Youth

Abstract

This study examines the unprecedented phenomenon of unaccompanied migrating children, primarily from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who enter the United States from the U.S./ Mexican border. This study examined their experiences in navigating the legal, political and social systems throughout the migration journey, as well as their motivations and the resources utilized in the migration process. The theoretical framework of figured worlds was used as a lens for data analysis (Holland et al. 1998) in examining the child as social and political actor amid the figured worlds of adults. The findings and implications point to an urgent need for policies that adhere to the best interest of the child principle.
Key words: Figured worlds, unaccompanied migrating child, agency

Author

• Nancy E Encarnacion, Heritage University