Childhoods of the Global South: Children's Rights and Resistance

Children in the Global South face social disadvantage in our unequal post-colonial world order. This book explores the challenges of promoting children's rights in Latin America, focusing on working-class children. Liebel and colleagues provide insights into the political lives of children and suggest ways to make children's rights meaningful at the grassroots level. They also consider how collaborative research with children can counteract their marginalization and oppression.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In our unequal post-colonial world order, children in the Global South continue to face social disadvantage. This book, with a particular focus on working-class children in Latin America, delves into the challenges of promoting children's rights in the context of decolonization. Liebel and his colleagues provide valuable insights into the political lives of children and offer practical strategies for making children's rights meaningful at the grassroots level. Looking ahead, they envision how collaborative research with children can counteract their marginalization and oppression in society.

The book begins by examining the historical roots of social disadvantage and the impact of colonialism on children's rights. It highlights the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples, to assert their rights and reclaim their land. Liebel and his colleagues argue that the concept of children's rights is not just a Western construct but is rooted in universal human values. They emphasize the importance of recognizing children as active agents of change and as holders of their own rights.

Chapter 1 explores the political lives of children and the ways in which they are marginalized and oppressed. The authors argue that children are often excluded from decision-making processes that affect their lives, and their voices are often unheard in the political arena. They demonstrate how children can be empowered to participate in political processes and advocate for their rights through various means, such as education, art, and activism.

Chapter 2 delves into the challenges of promoting children's rights in a context of decolonization. The authors argue that the legacy of colonialism and neocolonialism has left deep scars on societies, and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these processes. They discuss the need for a holistic approach to promoting children's rights that addresses not only economic and social issues but also cultural and political factors.

Chapter 3 explores the role of grassroots organizations in promoting children's rights. The authors argue that grassroots organizations are crucial in providing access to education, healthcare, and other basic needs for children and in advocating for their rights. They provide examples of successful grassroots organizations in Latin America and discuss the strategies that these organizations use to achieve their goals.

Chapter 4 considers the future of children's rights in the Global South. The authors argue that collaborative research with children is essential in counteracting their marginalization and oppression. They discuss the benefits of involving children in research processes and the challenges that need to be overcome to ensure that children's voices are heard and their perspectives are valued.

In conclusion, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges of promoting children's rights in the Global South. It demonstrates the importance of recognizing children as active agents of change and as holders of their own rights. The authors provide practical strategies for promoting children's rights at the grassroots level and advocate for a holistic approach to addressing social disadvantage. By involving children in research processes and valuing their perspectives, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all children.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447370413