Transforming subjectivity When aiming for mutually transformative processes in research with children

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate how children use their participation in research as apotential transformative social practice in everyday life. The concept of transformative socialpractice will be discussed in relation to the notion of transformation.Through empirical examples provided by Holly (12) and Oliver (11), the article argues thatresearch processes open up possibilities for understanding ourselves (researchers andparticipants) in new ways.‘Life Mapping’ - as dialogical method in research with children - will be presented and reflectedupon as a way for children to develop different understandings of themselves, their families, andeveryday life. This emphasizes the connection between the use of child-relevant methodologies andhow specific children can bring dialogues from the research process in to play in their everydaylives.Data is drawn from a qualitative study and is a part of a PhD project studying children’s everydaylives with two households as a result of parental divorce. The project involves ten children aged 8-12 and their parents.