The participation of children in social research. Introduction to the issue

Abstract

The perspective of childhood studies has existed in science since the 1990s. Currently, it is considered as a paradigm. The article concerns one of the assumptions of this theoretical orientation – the participation of children in research. The analysis of the concept includes both positive and critical stances expressed in the subject literature. The text contains an analysis of the main assumptions of childhood studies and their relationship to the participatory approach to research. Moreover, it presents types of participatory research with children, considering the degree of their participation. The article refers to numerous examples of both research and specific techniques applied.

Keywords

• participation of children in research
• agency
• child as an active social actor
• child research
• research with children
• forms of participation
• participatory tools
• childhood studies
• new sociology of childhood