Résumé :
Social circus interventions targeting vulnerable populations are often perceived as catalysts for change. In recent years, more attention is given to the role of trainers involved in social circus. Several studies have profiled them based on the set of competences they should master to achieve predefined outcomes in participants. We challenge the very act of profiling, arguing that the way trainers and participants connect can best be understood through observing the way they put themselves at disposal. We conducted a pilot study in which we observed a sample of 15 YouTube videos to develop an initial portrait of these trainers, meant to inform a real life observational study. From the analysis of the videos three core dimensions of interest were revealed: the trainers role in social circus activities, the actions undertaken to build meaningful relationships and the reciprocal nature of the bonding process. Rather than presenting trainers as the gifted ones, who put a set of competences to work in a social circus setting, we position them as people who are guiding and are guided themselves. We argue that this mutual learning process is a necessary condition for establishing a meaningful relationship with social circus participants and to stimulate growth. [editor summary]

Localisation : Traitement documentaire

DOI  : 10.1016/j.lcsi.2018.05.001