Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Reframing the Possible Employment Outcomes of Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) Students from Disadvantaged Communities

Researching disadvantage can potentially make a difference to the lives of those who are involved. Can we research disadvantage without adding to an already negative narrative or appearing to be condescending? Application of Active Research as a methodology can bring an inclusive and participatory approach to studying disadvantage. Comprehension of the impact of theories such as social reproduction and possible selves, their interaction and how one could be used to counteract the other, will allow an opportunity for conversation around positive solutions. Through understanding the language used to describe disadvantage we can bring an openness to challenge how we look at what society deems to be educational disadvantage. This paper will explore why there is a need for discourse around disadvantage and whether there is an opportunity to reframe the narrative and create a pathway to employment that is both positive and participant focused.