The "lost generation" and the challenges of working with marginalised groups. Learnt lessons from Brazilian Favelas

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges involving research and action within marginalised youngsters. It is based on our experience in the favelas in Rio de Janeiro. The paper will focus on the socio-symbolical depreciation of favelas and the criminalization of youngsters as part of the challenges in engaging with these groups.

We start with a contextualization of urban marginality in Rio. It will be followed by its impact on research agenda and the need to develop new approaches and methods in order to work with marginalised groups. We then illustrate with some examples from our experiences in the favelas.

We conclude that work with marginalised groups demands a ‘positive and dynamic approach’ based on a reflexive process that requires the researcher/professional to challenge their own professional identity, values and perceptions of social reality and ‘the other’ which institutions should give special attention to.