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Children and Youth Art as a Form of Resistance in Conflict Zones

Raghu Yadav (Ohio University, USA)

Rose Williamson (Ohio University, USA)

Children and Youth in Armed Conflict: Responses, Resistance, and Portrayal in Media

ISBN: 978-1-83549-703-6, eISBN: 978-1-83549-702-9

Publication date: 10 December 2024

Abstract

Sites of armed conflict produce significant human suffering. Children are some of the most tragic victims of these conflicts, and their suffering is often used as a colloquial measure of suffering at large. Children in conflict zones are likely to experience trauma and associated negative mental and physical health consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One way that children and youth cope with their circumstances in these environments is through creative outlets such as art and poetry. Not only does trauma influence the content of children’s art, but the creation of art also influences children’s responses to trauma and conflict. Furthermore, in the same way that children may humanize those living in conflict zones, so too does their art. While the art of children typically lacks the sophistication of high art or classic poetry, there is a genuineness to their work that resonates with others and allows them to see the conflict through a child’s eyes. This chapter covers the relationships between armed conflict, trauma, and children, followed by art as a form of resistance generally, then finally the role of art and poetry as a form of children’s resistance.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgments

We would like to note that this chapter was a work of equal contribution between authors. Additionally, we would like to thank Dr. Tamanna Shah for her invaluable guidance through the writing process as well as our colleague Dr. Cameron Mackey for providing valuable insight. Finally, Raghu would like to dedicate his work on this chapter to Aparna.

Citation

Yadav, R. and Williamson, R. (2024), "Children and Youth Art as a Form of Resistance in Conflict Zones", Shah, T.M. (Ed.) Children and Youth in Armed Conflict: Responses, Resistance, and Portrayal in Media (Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, Vol. 35), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 55-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1537-466120240000035005

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited