Abstract

GALLEGO HENAO, Adriana María  and  GUTIERREZ SUAREZ, Damariz. Adult conceptions of child participation in relation to decision-making for children. Zona prox. [online]. 2015, n.22, pp.87-104. ISSN 2145-9444.

This research article allows pondering about the conception of childhood participation which has some educational agents, citizens or meaningful people. The methodology was accomplished through focus groups and depth interviews with 12 mothers and 3 educational agents who are linked to a children's center from Robledo's neighborhood, commune seven of Medellín city. Basically, the results point out to three aspects: a. the children's participation which is related to the possibility of expressing feelings, thoughts, and emotions that boys and girls have; nevertheless, the adult is the one who participates and decides; b. the children's participation is learnt inside the family, but it is improved in the children's center as well as in the society; c. the meaningful people or keepers consider that children's participation and the decision making are different aspects, which may show a fragmentation in the execution of this right. To conclude, the adult keepers think that "letting" children participate is to lose the authority and the control upon them.

Keywords : educational agents; scenarios; participation; early childhood; decision making.

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