Staff

Dr Pete Allison

Abstract

This thesis explores the experience of young people on expeditions to Greenland in the 1990s with the British Schools Exploring Society. Previous research on expeditions and adventure education has primarily sought to prove the benefits of the experiences. The majority of this research is methodologically problematic and easily criticised.

The thesis contextualises youth expeditions within values education and the potential role that expeditions can play within a changing society. The research demonstrates that youth expeditions can provide important developmental experiences which contribute to the forming of identity and an understanding of personal narrative.

The work of two authors provides the main theoretical underpinnings which are central to the thesis. First, individuals understanding themselves in a narrative sense points to the philosophical work of MacIntyre (1981). Second, the work of Taylor (1991) and specifically his concept of authenticity (concerned with identity) illustrates the way in which individual identities form within the expedition environment and the longer term impact this can have.

The empirical phase of the research used a case study method which captured emerging themes from participant descriptions. Themes were then developed through hermeneutic refinement checking with participants for accuracy of interpretation. This phase involved writing to young people over a period of two years following a six week summer expedition.

Four themes emerge from the collected information: the natural environment, being true to the self, relationships: the dialogical contribution and post-expedition adjustment.

The thesis concludes that expedition leaders who have an understanding of moral concepts of a certain sort are in a better position to enhance the quality of leadership and therefore young people's expedition experiences than those who do not. Further, the readjustment phase, referred to as post-expedition adjustment, is an important but difficult process for participants and highlights this as a potentially fruitful area for further work.