Background

It has been 20 years since the UN General Assembly approved the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Quite aside from the success of achieving near universal ratification of the document, there is sparse evidence to suggest the CRC has had much impact on the science and practice of child development and well-being.

Through a series of presentations, the workshop agenda will be framed with the following questions: What were the original underlying assumptions and purposes in drafting the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)?  How is the CRC viewed within various historical perspectives on childhood?  What impact has the CRC had on the well being of children?  On the political socialization of children?  Is this reflected in children’s sense of agency, the training of teachers, or guidance given to parents? Has the CRC contributed to greater or more authentic participation of children in matters that directly affect them?  How are children prepared for citizenship in schools and in communities?  What contributions to child citizenship have been made through advocacy for children in special circumstances (e.g. divorce settlement; immigration, adoption)?  What are the future prospects for child citizenship?  Is the social movement that ushered in the CRC exhausted?  Can a persuasive argument be shaped to revitalize the movement?  Can children be involved in such a movement as agents and representatives of their own best interests?

To address such questions, we are convening a small group of scholars representing the fields of history, philosophy, sociology, psychology, law, government, education and public health to reflect on the CRC and to produce a special volume for the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.

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