Childhood Cultures in Transformation : 30 Years of the Un Convention of the Rights of the Child in Action Towards Sustainability

This book investigates and uncover paradoxes and ambivalences that are actualised when seeking to make the right choices in the best interests of the child. The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child established a milestone for the 20th century. Many of these ideas still stand, but time calls for new reflections, empirical descriptions and knowledge as provided in this book.

Special attention is directed to the conceptualisation of children and childhood cultures, the missing voices of infants and fragile children, as well as transformations during times of globalisation and change. All chapters contribute to understand and discuss aspects of societal demands and cultural conditions for modern-day children age 0–18, accompanied by pointers to their future.

Contributors are: Eli Kristin Aadland, Wenche Bjorbækmo, Jorunn Spord Borgen, Gunn Helene Engelsrud, Kristin Vindhol Evensen, Eldbjørg Fossgard, Liv Torunn Grindheim, Asle Holthe, Liisa Karlsson, Stinne Gunder Strøm Krogager, Jonatan Leer, Ida Marie Lyså, Elin Eriksen Ødegaard, Czarecah Tuppil Oropilla, Susanne Højlund Pedersen, Anja Maria Pesch, Karen Klitgaard Povlsen, Gro Rugseth, Pauline von Bonsdorff, Hege Wergedahl and Susanne C. Ylönen.

Elin Eriksen Ødegaard, Ph.D. (2007), University of Gothenburg, is Professor and Director of KINDknow Research Center at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. She also works for the World Organization of Early Childhood Education (OMEP) and has published extensively on the topics of children’s participation, exploration and cultural formation.

Jorunn Spord Borgen, Ph.D. (1998), Bergen University, is Professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway. She is an OECD expert for Education 2030 and has published extensively on the topics of children, arts, sports and culture in education.