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Discourses of Children's Participation: Professionals, Policies and Practices

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2011

Sharon Pinkney*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Social Sciences, The Open University E-mail: S.M.Pinkney@open.ac.uk

Abstract

This article explores the dynamic field of children's participation and provides fresh insight into its construction within professional frameworks as well as within the social policy process. Protectionism, developmentalism, rights and managerialism are identified as significant discourses and this article explores their articulation and negotiation through policies. The argument is that the settlement reached represents a new configuration within policy frameworks relating to children where a version of children's rights is appropriated and mainstreamed. The interaction between children's rights, managerialism and professional discourses are illustrated with reference to policy and legislation.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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