Understanding Children''s Perspectives in Social Research

Uncover the transformative power of children's perspectives with this timely and authoritative guide, exploring the intricacies and ethical dimensions involved in conducting research with children

Understanding Children's Perspectives in Social Research equips practitioners, policymakers, educators, and advocates with a roadmap for ethical research that respects the agency, rights, and experiences of children. Drawing from 27 years of experience in teaching and research, M. Rezaul Islam explores the ethical considerations, innovative methodologies, and practical strategies that foster meaningful engagement with children's voices while ensuring their wellbeing.

An essential resource for all those with an interest in child-centric research, this comprehensive guide highlights the critical significance of understanding children's perspectives while emphasizing ethical responsibility in creating safe and respectful research environments. Detailed chapters address the historical evolution of children's participation in research, explain ethical foundations rooted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), present different theoretical frameworks and data collection methods, discuss the implications of children's perspectives for policy, practice, and societal change, and much more.

Featuring a wealth of case studies and examples illustrating the real-world application of key concepts, Understanding Children's Perspectives in Social Research is a must-have guide for students and professionals across disciplines who are committed to engaging with children's voices in a respectful, ethical, and meaningful manner.

List of contents

About the Author xiv
Foreword xv
Preface xvi
Acknowledgments xx
Towards Effective Utilization of This Book xxi
CHAPTER 1 Introduction: Children's Perspectives in Social Research 1
CHAPTER 2 Research Tools and Techniques: An Overview 15
CHAPTER 3 Foundations of Research with Children 40
CHAPTER 4 Designing Child- centric Research Studies 77
CHAPTER 5 Ethical Considerations and Child- friendly Environments 131
CHAPTER 6 Data Collection Methods for Children's Perspectives 179
CHAPTER 7 Analyzing and Interpreting Children's Voices 224
CHAPTER 8 Contextualizing Findings within Social Research 240
CHAPTER 9 Addressing Challenges and Future Directions 247
CHAPTER 10 Conclusion: Children's Perspectives in Social Research 255
References 259
Index 264

About the author

M. REZAUL ISLAM, PhD, is Professor of Social Work at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. His publications cover topics including social work, community development, and migration studies across 130 journal articles, 45 book chapters, and 15 authored and edited books. Dr. Islam has delivered numerous lectures, public talks, and research presentations at universities worldwide, collaborated extensively with international organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF, and serves as an editorial board member for several journals including Asian Social Work and Policy Review.

Summary

Comprehensive exploration of the intricacies and ethical dimensions involved in conducting research with children

Understanding Children's Perspectives in Social Research explores how to conduct ethical and meaningful research involving children, covering research methodologies, practical strategies, and more. The book delves into the historical evolution of children's participation in research and elucidates the ethical foundations rooted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and theoretical frameworks such as social constructivism and children's agency, shedding light on the significance of developmental psychology in shaping research methodologies tailored to different age groups.

The book also offers insights into designing child-centric research studies that empower children as active contributors, addressing challenges and emphasizing the importance of informed consent, assent, confidentiality, and creating safe, child-friendly research environments.

Furthermore, the book underscores the significance of diverse data collection methods that capture children's voices authentically. It explores child-focused interviews, focus groups that encourage peer interaction, and innovative techniques such as visual methods and digital approaches. The book culminates in discussing the implications of children's perspectives for policy, practice, and societal change.

Understanding Children's Perspectives in Social Research includes discussion on:
* Developing a collaborative environment during research participation and the role of comfort and safety in the ethical well-being of children
* Trust and transparency in parental involvement, understanding and connecting to children through active listening, and using a non-directive style in child-centered conversations
* Fostering engagement and insights through play and games, amplifying voices through storytelling, and exploring emotions in reflective play
* Embracing technological advancements and envisioning an inclusive future that acknowledges the impact of children's perspectives on various spheres of society

Covering ethical considerations, research methodologies, practical strategies, and much more, Understanding Children's Perspectives in Social Research serves as a highly valuable guide for researchers, educators, policymakers, and advocates committed to engaging with children's voices in a respectful, ethical, and meaningful manner.

Product details

• Authors: M Rezaul Islam, M. Rezaul Islam, M. Rezaul (University of Dhaka Islam
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.09.2024
• EAN: 9781394264360
• ISBN: 978-1-394-26436-0
• No. of pages: 304
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Soziologie, Kind, Sozialpolitik, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Policy & Welfare, Sozialpolitik u. Wohlfahrt, Soziologische Forschungsmethoden, Research Methodologies, Sociology of Children, Kindersoziologie