A great part of the value, originality, and impact of children’s rights research relies on the implementation of solid and well-developed methodologies and theories. Our research at ECRU is committed to using strong methodologies, and to exploring the role and value of different social and political theories in furthering children’s rights.
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Despite the traditionally hefty role played by theoretical research in the social sciences, the current predominance of empirically-inclined research in children’s rights means that theoretical knowledge has been relegated to a secondary role. We consider that theoretical research methods and approaches have great value in furthering the field as they provide new ways of looking at old problems, and offer rigorous conceptual frameworks through which to do applied research. At ECRU, we want to lead the way in exploring how theoretical research can benefit the field of children’s rights, and we aim for our work and that of our students to be solid in its use of theoretical knowledge.
Noting both the perceived gap in but increasing value of theoretical methods for childhood research particularly, and for the social sciences in general, we have developed a (ongoing) series of masterclass on different theoretical methods entitled, Children in Theory. This project aims to offer essential capacity-building resources on theoretical concepts and methodologies in the social sciences and how they apply to childhood research. It does so through a well-curated series of introductory academic presentations, expert seminars, and open-access resources (i.e., reading lists and key questions to consider) produced by a multidisciplinary group of experts on social and political theory and on childhood studies.
Besides theory, ECRU aims to advance methodological research in relation to the ethics of doing research with children. We have developed a series of short briefing papers in collaboration with the NCRM, to support researchers working in the field of children and childhood in preparing applications for ethics approval. The research briefings respond to some key ethical questions and point to some useful resources. These will be available soon.
ECRU is strongly committed to ensuring the inclusion of children and young people in the research process. The field of children’s rights can greatly benefit from the perspective and input of children themselves. Aiming to further this inclusion, ECRU runs the University of Liverpool Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG) which brings together local children and young people (age 11-19) from a range of backgrounds to provide input into the design, implementation and dissemination of University of Liverpool research projects of relevance to children.
The long-term objectives are to slowly but steadily bring more theoretically-informed researchers and students to ECRU, in order to make it a lighthouse for everyone aiming at developing theoretical research on children’s rights. We are bidding to organise a high-profile international conference on theories and practices of children’s rights, and we hope to have a sturdy toolbox of resources based on our online masterclasses very soon.
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