UCLAN: Conference to Showcase Global Research into Childhood

PRESTON, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This is one of the important questions being addressed at a major international conference at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) this week. UCLan is proud to be hosting Children, Young People and Adults: Extending the Conversation on 5^th-7^th September 2012.

“We are delighted to be working with the International Childhood and Youth Research Network to showcase cutting edge research exploring the nature of childhood in contemporary society. Leading delegates will provide a critical analysis on a wide range of themes which will be open for discussion.”

This is the second conference of the International Childhood and Youth Research Network, which brings together leading researchers from around the world to discuss international perspectives on the nature of childhood in the modern world. The previous conference was held in Nicosia in 2008.

The conference will discuss world-leading research on young people based on a wide range of themes including public perceptions of young people, citizenship and participation. Some of the research presented was carried out by children and young people themselves.

One paper, presented by UCLan academics Dr Kate Bacon and Dr Sam Frankel, will examine the role that children can play in helping to build the ‘good society’. This debate has previously been driven by adults, with young people often cast as trouble-makers or victims. This paper will show why children’s own perspectives on shaping a ‘good society’ are equally important.

Other papers by UCLan researchers Dr Cath Larkins and Dr Joanne Westwood explore the part that advocacy and listening to young people can play in promoting dialogue between generations, and how to protect children living in situations of conflict and violence within their families.

Side by side with the conference will be Different Voices in Global Conversations, bringing together young people from the North West and other parts of England with others from four continents.

Some are young researchers, presenting findings from their own research; others are young community activists contributing on issues such as what it means to be an adult or a child, to live in places of conflict or peace. Through their discussions young people from different backgrounds and countries will set an agenda for future research in the field of participation, childhood and youth. There will be many opportunities for adults and young people attending the events to work together on issues of common concern. The conference itself will be evaluated as a piece of research into how to promote effective intergenerational dialogue.

Both events are part of UCLan’s contribution to Preston Guild 2012.

Nigel Thomas, Professor of Childhood and Youth Research at UCLan said:

“We are delighted to be working with the International Childhood and Youth Research Network to showcase cutting edge research exploring the nature of childhood in contemporary society. Leading delegates will provide a critical analysis on a wide range of themes which will be open for discussion.

“This is a very exciting and innovative event which welcomes researchers from around the world to participate in discussions on children’s place in society, and to participate in discussions not only with each other but with articulate and committed young people from all around the world. In order to reach our international audiences, we are also delivering the conference using interactive and electronic media including audio and video conferencing, web streaming, social networking for participation for those who may not be able to join us physically.”

Karl Stanley, a spokesperson for the young people who have organised the conference said:

“David Cameron, says we live in a ‘Big Society’. How much bigger can it get than here in Preston this week! We hope through this project young people will learn from each other about the three themes of this week’s event – Cultural, Political and Personal.”

Children, Young People and Adults: Extending the Conversation takes place at the University of Central Lancashire 5^th-7^th September 2012.

Plenary speakers at the event include:

Allison James (Professor of Sociology, University of Sheffield, UK)
Berry Mayall (Professor of Childhood Studies, Institute of Education, University of London, UK)
Kavita Ratna (Director-Communications, Concerned for Working Children, Bangalore, India)
Harry Shier (Education Adviser, CESESMA, Matagalpa, Nicaragua)
Libby Brooks (Editor, Comment is Free, The Guardian, UK)
Jim Davis (Good Childhood Advisor, The Children's Society, England, UK)

Reports from both conferences will be posted on http://www.dvigc.com/young-people-conference on the same day as the discussions take place.

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The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has developed an enviable reputation as an institution that innovates, evolving its course portfolio to over 500 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate courses. The University has an established research reputation within the areas of Business, Health, Humanities and Science. In the recent Research Assessment Exercise, all 17 subject areas submitted were rated as containing research of international excellence while 11 areas were assessed to be undertaking research which is world-leading. With approximately 32,000 students, the University indirectly contributes close to £250 million into the regional economy every year. UCLan is currently in the process of spending more than £120 million on new buildings and facilities to support teaching, learning and leisure activities. The School of Social Work is one of the leading centres of research and scholarship in this field, known in particular for its work with children and young people.

Different Voices in Global Conversations is a collaboration between UCLan, the international charity ChildHope, The Children’s Society, North West Regional Youth Work Unit and Lancashire Young People’s Service. It is led by children and young people. The website www.DVIGC.com provides a space to engage in a global meeting place for children, young people and adults.

The International Childhood and Youth Research Network is a global network of over 70 research centres. The Network’s mission is to promote, internationally, the inter-disciplinary study of children and young people in order to further raise awareness and understanding of issues that affect their well-being.