Children's Perspectives and Understandings of Participation

This chapter delves into children's perspectives on participation, emphasizing an intersectional approach and the connection to children's rights. I explore how children's perceptions of participation are shaped by complex interactions of individual factors at the micro-level, such as age, culture, family, socioeconomic background, gender, and other identity dimensions. Additionally, these perceptions are influenced by the broader societal context, including living conditions, prevailing views of children, and the existing opportunities and constraints in society. Children's perspectives on participation encompass several aspects, including self-expression, involvement in decision-making processes, understanding rights, and respecting diversity. The central focus of the chapter is the recognition that it is crucial not only to insist on children's participation but also to understand how children themselves define and comprehend the concept of participation, how they wish to practice it, and what limitations and opportunities exist in terms of legislation and prevailing views of children.