Children's Participation in Global Contexts: Going Beyond Voice

This book examines children's participation in formal, collective, and action research processes in six different international settings, providing a deeper understanding of what helps and facilitates their participation to achieve change. It promotes an approach to children's participation as relational and collaborative and is valuable for practitioners and scholars in anthropology, sociology, human geography, childhood studies, development studies, social policy, social work, community work, education, youth work, and those interested in citizenship, children's rights, and human rights.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Children's and young people's right to participate has gained increasing recognition and attention internationally, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. While this movement has aimed to gather children's voices and advocate for change, it has faced limitations in achieving substantial outcomes. This book delves into the analysis of children's participation in formal, collective, and action research processes across six diverse international settings. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of what factors facilitate and promote children's and young people's active involvement in research, evaluation, and decision-making, aiming to go beyond mere voice and effect meaningful change.

The analysis is situated within the broader context of historical and contemporary discourses on participation, the sociology of childhood, contemporary anthropology, children's geography, and international development. Key themes addressed include the dynamics of children's participation, the evolving and multifaceted identities of children, the political and cultural contexts in which they operate, the spaces and places they inhabit, the skills and capacities of adults involved, accountability and power dynamics.

The analysis advocates for a relational and collaborative approach to children's participation, recognizing the importance of building trust and meaningful relationships with children and young people. It seeks to contribute to answering critical questions faced by practitioners and researchers embarking on participatory inquiry with children and young people.

This book holds immense value for practitioners and scholars alike, encompassing anthropology, sociology, human geography, childhood studies, development studies, social policy, social work, community work, education, youth work, and those with an interest in citizenship, children's rights, and human rights. Researchers and practitioners within United Nations organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental services will also find this book relevant in engaging with children and young people.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 244 x 162 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138929791