SUII Seminar Series 2013-2014:Children’s rights, social justice and social identities in Scotland: Intersections in research, policy and practice

Seminar 4

Children’s rights, social justice and intersectionality: Putting theory and policy into

practice

2nd October 2014

The Programme Team

• Prof Geri Smyth• Dr Daniela Sime• Dr Sheila Hamilton

• Dr Alison Hosie• Dr Kristina Konstantoni• Marlies Kustatscher• Dr Akwugo Emejulu• Prof John Davis

University of Edinburgh

Scottish Human Rights

Commission

University of Strathclyde

Scotland’s Commissioner

for Children and Young People

Our aims and objectives• create meaningful knowledge exchange

opportunities

• generate new knowledge and identify priorities for action

• disseminate innovative research, policy and practice

• firmly put children and young people’s inequalities on the agenda in research, policy and practice

Our outcomes

• a greater awareness of childhood inequalities and equitable practice

• a fuller understanding of the importance of intersectionality

• a critical appreciation of the connections between current policy, legislation and practice.

• an understanding of ways of addressing childhood inequalities and promoting a fair society in policy and practice by identifying strengths, potential gaps and ways forward

Seminar 1: 2 December 2013Intersecting Childhood Identities, Inequalities and Rights: Unpacking concepts and exploring implications Seminar 2: 20 March 2014Children and young people’s views on and experiences of intersecting identities and inequalities: facilitating participation and extending the dialogue

Seminar 3: 23 June 2014Intersecting childhood identities, inequalities and social justice: intersectionality, methods and research

Seminar 4: 2 October 2014Intersectional childhoods: Practical applications across practice, policy and research.

The seminar series 2013-2014

• Innovative examples of good practice with children & young people in ‘single categories’–children in care, children with disabilities, children living in poverty

• Our concern is how to recognise and take action on children’s & young people’s complex identities and inequalities

• How to develop intersectional approaches that make a difference in the lives of children & young people

Some Reflections on the seminar series

• What does an intersectional social justice approach look like in practice and policy?

• What are the dilemmas, gaps and ways forward while adopting an intersectional social justice approach?

• What changes can be made in policy and practice to effectively promote social justice for children and young people?

• Are there any specific policy/practical tips while adopting an intersectional approach? • How can we find fruitful and sustainable ways of collaboration between research, policy and practice and ensure effective interagency/inter-professional work?

Today: Seminar 4

What we learned from this process

• Benefits and challenges of using the concept of intersectionality – intersectionality – a term with complex historical weight and meaning– opens up discussions about the nature of identities and inequalities,

and the language we use to talk about them– questioning simplistic distinctions– drawing attention to dynamics of power

• Re-enforced our belief in children as active and competent agents– engage with complex terms like intersectionality– importance of dialogue between adults and children

What did YOU learn from this process?

• What are your final thoughts/reflections?

What’s next? • Our outputs – Our website as a resource: video and audio podcasts,

speakers’ presentations – Academic work: special journal issue, book – Public engagement work: briefing, twitter, informing

policy documents e.g. Standard for Childhood Practice, integrated resources in teaching resources etc.

• Sustaining dialogue and working with children’s and young people’s organisations

• Sustaining the network e.g. email list, future conference?

What’s next for you?

• How are you going to take things forward?

• Please contact us if you want to develop future work on this topic

THANK YOU