Considers the way people approach research into childhood and children's lives and examines the debates concerning the forms and goals of such research. This title discusses theoretical and practice-based perspectives in the context of key developments in research theory and philosophy of children.

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.

‘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

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 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 relationships 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.