Taking a stance: child agency across the dimensions of early adolescents' environmental involvement

1. This study was carried out as part of doctoral research in the Faculty of Education, University of Victoria (supervisors: Dr. Gloria Snively, Dr. Ted Riecken, Dr. Daniel Scott and Dr. Nancy Turner).

Abstract

This article examines the nature of early adolescents' environmental involvement based on a study with 10–13‐year‐olds. Drawing from literal and metaphorical interviews, a visual survey and visual maps, the study points to the dimensions of environmental involvement: connectedness, engagement with the environment, questioning, belief in capacity, taking a stance and strategic action. Children's agency runs across the dimensions, as children intentionally and strategically figure their way through significant life influences, beliefs towards nature and age‐defined barriers. Of interest is what the sources of environmental involvement are, as well as how a child interacts and engages in situations and with resources at hand. Along with awakening to the natural environment, children are discovering themselves and carving a place in the world.

Keywords:

• child agency
• early adolescence
• environmental involvement

Notes on contributor

Natasha Blanchet‐Cohen, Ph.D. is research director at the International Institute for Child Rights and Development at the University of Victoria. For the last decade, she has led multiple site research projects on children's participation in communities and published in the area of child rights, environmental education and community development. She also teaches in Education and Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria.

Notes

1. This study was carried out as part of doctoral research in the Faculty of Education, University of Victoria (supervisors: Dr. Gloria Snively, Dr. Ted Riecken, Dr. Daniel Scott and Dr. Nancy Turner).