Kid Power, Inequalities and Intergenerational Relations

The balance of power has shifted from adults to children in recent years, due to the rise of children's rights, child-centered pedagogies, and the incorporation of children within the global free market. This book critically examines these ideas and reframes the zero-sum conceptions of power, arguing that kid power is inter-generational, multi-dimensional, and distributed variably across the child population. It illustrates this theory through children's political activism, digital power, and roles within their families and communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the dynamics of intergenerational relations, with a growing perception that power has shifted from adults to children. This shift has been attributed to various factors, including the rise of children's rights, the adoption of child-centered pedagogies in schools, and the inclusion of children in the global free market as consumers. These developments have been interpreted as a loss of adult power and the subsequent rise of "kid power."

This book aims to critically examine these assumptions and challenge the notion of power as a zero-sum game. It draws on the insights of Lukes' three dimensions of power and Foucault's theory of power and knowledge to argue that kid power is not a distinct entity but rather a multifaceted and distributed phenomenon across the child population. The book illustrates this theory through various examples, including children's political activism, their influence in the digital realm, and their diverse roles within their families and communities.

Furthermore, the book offers a brief re-examination of kid power in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of children and the importance of their voices and perspectives in shaping policies and responses to the crisis. The book argues that the pandemic has further reinforced the notion of kid power, as children have become more active in advocating for their rights, participating in digital activism, and contributing to their communities in innovative ways.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of intergenerational relations and the rise of kid power. It challenges the traditional understanding of power as a zero-sum game and presents a more complex and inclusive perspective on the power dynamics between adults and children. The book offers valuable insights into the ways in which children are shaping our world and provides a roadmap for policymakers, educators, and parents to engage with and empower children in meaningful ways.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839989704