Rethinking Children and Research
Attitudes in Contemporary Society
Published on 15. April 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
176 pages
978-1-84706-323-6 (ISBN)
Description
"Rethinking Children and Research" considers the way people approach research into childhood and children's lives and examines the debates concerning the forms and goals of such research. Theoretical and practice-based perspectives are discussed in the context of recent key developments in research theory and philosophy of children. Mary Kellet promotes the idea that researchers should listen to the voices and perspectives of children as experts on their own lives, and offers insights and guidance on approaches to research design, implementation and presentation. Recent debates and developments are considered, including ethics, approaching research with children from a child-rights framework, and rethinking the power dynamic within research relationships with children. "Rethinking Children and Research" is essential for studying childhood and undergraduate or postgraduate level, and will be of interest to all involved with research into childhood and children's lives in the areas of education, health and social services. Is childhood changing? What effects are new ideas about childhood having on children's lives?
How are children's voices and opinions affecting the services they use? Contemporary debates on the nature of childhood, attitudes towards children, the experiences of children and the emergence of a child rights agenda are resulting in a re-examination of theory, practice and research in many fields. "New Childhoods" offers a re-appraisal of the meaning of childhood - a series of texts that are succinct, accessible and engaging in introducing undergraduates to key areas of Childhood Studies, Education Studies and Sociology, and in disseminating new thinking, research, scholarship and practices. Books in this series will also be of interest to those who are preparing to work with children, such as teachers, early years practitioners, youth workers, health workers and psychologists. Key features of this title include: boxed summaries of research which engage the reader in analysis; case studies to explore each issue in context; tasks to develop critical thinking; and, pointers on further reading. Each volume promotes a child rights perspective, and provokes a re-examination of child-adult relationship in the contexts of family, community and state.
Insights and experiences across fields such as sociology, philosophy and psychology are combined to encourage an inter-disciplinary approach.
How are children's voices and opinions affecting the services they use? Contemporary debates on the nature of childhood, attitudes towards children, the experiences of children and the emergence of a child rights agenda are resulting in a re-examination of theory, practice and research in many fields. "New Childhoods" offers a re-appraisal of the meaning of childhood - a series of texts that are succinct, accessible and engaging in introducing undergraduates to key areas of Childhood Studies, Education Studies and Sociology, and in disseminating new thinking, research, scholarship and practices. Books in this series will also be of interest to those who are preparing to work with children, such as teachers, early years practitioners, youth workers, health workers and psychologists. Key features of this title include: boxed summaries of research which engage the reader in analysis; case studies to explore each issue in context; tasks to develop critical thinking; and, pointers on further reading. Each volume promotes a child rights perspective, and provokes a re-examination of child-adult relationship in the contexts of family, community and state.
Insights and experiences across fields such as sociology, philosophy and psychology are combined to encourage an inter-disciplinary approach.
Reviews / Votes
'This book is a valuable and timely contribution to the literature on research with children. Mary Kellett has been in the forefront of the movement to advance children and young people's active participation in social research. Her book is theoretically grounded, very accessible and rich in practical examples. I cannot think of a better introduction to the subject.' Nigel Thomas, Professor of Children and Youth Studies, University of Central Lancashire, UK 'A well-researched and comprehensive overview of key issues to be considered in any research that claims to be about children, on children, for children, with children and, particularly, by children. The author has skilfully analysed key theoretical developments and debates whilst addressing important methodological and pragmatic issues that lie at the heart of respectful and ethical research involving children ... A "must read" for those looking to improve or renew their understandings and be expertly guided in their research practice.' Anne Graham, Professor of Childhood Studies and Director of the Centre for Children & Young People, Southern Cross University, Australia 'Through the use of informed analysis and though-provoking case studies and examples, Kellett provides a highly readable overview of children and research that will be a valuable read to researchers who work with children.' Spryros Spyrou, Associate Professor of Social Science, European University, Cyprus 'Ideal for those studying childhood at undergraduate or graduate level...[the book] analyses key theoretical developments and debates while addressing important methodological and pragmatic issues that lie at the centre of respectful and ethical research involving children... Recommended reading.' Early Years Educator Reviewed in Children and Young People Now August 'a powerful reappraisal of how research can best serve present and future generations' This book is lucid and concise and sprinkled with an array of stimulating case studies, interviews and reflections. It is an insightful read for those interested in research on children, about children, with children and, crucially, by children. -- Laura Bainbridge, senior research executive, QA Research Reviewed in Nursery World October (UK) A substantial contribution to the field of research, Rethinking Children and Researchis up to date in its approach to research and children. This book is a helpful resource
for those involved in implementing research with children and young people. -- Maryanne Theobald, Queensland University of Technology, AU * Australian Educational Researcher *
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
272 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84706-323-6 (9781847063236)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2010
1st Edition
Continuum Publishing Corporation
€42.99
Available for download
Persons
Mary Kellett is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies and Director of the Childhood and Youth Studies programme at The Open University, where she is also Director of the Children's Research Centre. Before embarking on a post-doctoral academic career, she worked as a social worker and primary school teacher. She sits on a number of national and international steering groups and has published widely on many aspects of education and childhood.
Content
Part I. Issues, Debates and Challenges; 1. Introduction; 2. The Issues and Debates Defined; Part II. Contemporary Issues; 3. Interdisciplinary Research Involving Children; 4. The Research Process Reviewed from a Child's Rights Perspective; 5. The Relationship Between the Researcher and the Researched; 6. Children and Young People as Researchers; Part III. Policy and Practice Issues; 7. Implications for Policy and Practice and Impact on Children's Lives; References; Index.