Straddling discourses of transformation and status quo: the contradictions inherent in a museum youth panel addressing socio-ecological crises

This paper explores museum educator practice in relation to the exploration of socio-ecological issues through a museum facilitated youth panel. Using data from ethnographic program observations, pre- and post- program interviews with two educators who co-led the panel, the paper adopts a poststructural analysis in order to interpret the educators’ plans for the program, alongside their reflections on enacting it. The analysis highlights the multiple discourses that are implicated in the educators’ work, which both align with and challenge institutional status quo in relation to youth and their engagement with socio-ecological issues. As such, this paper raises important questions as to how museum-based, and non-formal education more widely, might best support transformation towards sustainable futures.