Behind the Picket Fence

This thesis documents a participatory action research project exploring social inclusion with young people (aged 16-18) living in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. This research applies an intersectional approach to social inclusion and clarifies the points of divergence and convergence between the diverse youth participants with respect to their experience of social inclusion. Burlington is commonly regarded as a city with few social problems and a home to “normal” people. However, the analysis offered here challenges the constructed notion of “normalcy” imposed and reconstituted in Burlington. Interrogation of everyday experiences led youth participants to undertake two actions which directly challenged this notion of “normal”. This research experience makes important contributions and raises important questions with regard to the civic engagement of youth, youth activism, social work praxis, identity and policing of identity.