Because ‘grown-ups don’t always get it right’: Allyship with children in research – from research question to authorship

ABSTRACT

This study engaged children as research allies throughout the research process from developing research questions to authorship. Our approach recognises children’s right to participation under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by developing a form of inquiry that invited children’s critique of adult knowledge and authority. The project was fully co-constructed with children, with adults who guided them through planning, analysis and authorship. We discuss our reflections on the children’s lived experience of Allyship itself, with the issues raised by children in focus groups and interviews illuminating this methodological approach. We conclude that children see and accept adult failings and seek to contribute to social worlds, and that these priorities have been enacted in their lived experience of this project. Our approach provides a platform for further endeavours in Allyship with children in the fields of qualitative psychology and childhood studies.

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KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative psychology
• Allyship
• children’s voice
• agency
• authority
• identity

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the vital contribution made by each child, and to their parents for the support and trust they afforded us in working with their children. We acknowledge the support of the University of Portsmouth in enabling us to undertake this work. Please note all names of children in data have been changed to protect identity.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emma Maynard

Emma Maynard is Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Portsmouth. Her research and teaching expertise lies in complex families, and transformative and social learning.

Sarah Barton

Sarah Barton is Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Portsmouth, a specialist in Early Years education and practice.

Kayleigh Rivett

Kayliegh Rivett is a member of Research and Innovation Services at the University of Portsmouth.

Oscar Maynard

Oscar Maynard is age 13 at the time of publication. He is a research ally.

William Davies

William Davies is age 13 at the time of publication. He is a research ally.