An extensive body of research suggests that psychological assets do confer resilience and protection and do so at both an individual and an ecological level (Bartley 2006; Fagg et al 2006; Sacker and Schoon 2007). The optimism, self esteem, self efficacy and interest in others that contribute to a child’s success at school are also characteristics of resilient neighbourhoods and communities, where norms of trust, tolerance, support, participation and reciprocity may provide some protection from the effects of deprivation. At the same time, there are significant and important caveats: emotional and cognitive advantages are generally trumped by material advantage. Such.
