This research focuses on how within two contexts –in the Global North in Lisbon, and in the Global South in Goa – young people negotiate landscapes of touristification and neoliberalisation that relate to their futures. Exponential urban redevelopment, climate change and heightened capitalism manifest in both places through changes made to accommodate an economy focused on tourism-boosting. Austerity in Portugal, and a boost to tourism-centred jobs in Goa has resulted in young people leaving in search of jobs elsewhere. However, a large portion continue to stay back in these geographies and are employed by the tourism industry which paradoxically gentrifies them. This research will aim to understand how young people make sense of their futures through new, gig economies in rapidly changing job landscapes, whilst simultaneously making space for themselves by negotiating this very environment - they therefore resist while also existing. It will consider potential conflicts and shared understandings, while making sense of the entanglements of youth job cultures, future considerations, and the relationship to a sense of place. Sharing a history, albeit of colonialism, (Portugal colonised Goa from 1510 until 1961 after which the latter was taken over by India) makes for a novel perspective of Global North-South as well as a post-colonial dynamic which is missing from existing knowledge. The project will use a cross-cultural case study approach, with qualitative research methods in line with critical ethnography. The project will be strengthened by the multi-disciplinary background of the researcher in sociology and geography, alongside contribution from other disciplinary perspectives through researchers at the host institution. It aims to create both academic outputs as well as material and content for public engagement and dissemination.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 867466