Listening to different voices 2

‘Listening to children’ is a rapidly developing field of inquiry. This chapter considers its origins in psychological research on children’s competencies, in social constructivism and in the new sociology of childhood, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The concept of empowerment of young people is discussed, and new ways of listening to children are explored: through early childhood education that is pedagogically supportive; through an interpretative (hermeneutic) approach; and using methods to hear the ‘voices’ of children who are very young or have communication challenges. There is also an examination of how young people may be included in research that concerns them. Bronfenbrenner’s and Vygotsky’s theories have been particularly influential. Qualitative methods and cultural differences are highlighted, and some words of caution noted.