IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF PARTICIPATORY APPROACH IN MODERN SOCIOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD

The paper studies the main principles of implementation of the participatory approach in the modern sociology of childhood based on the works of foreign and Russian sociologists of childhood. The author proves the importance of the modern understanding of childhood as a social construct, structural and cultural component of various societies; secondly, consideration of children as active social agents of the societies in which they live; thirdly, studying of children's social relationships and culture through children themselves and for them. It is noted that the principles of the participatory approach best fit for these provisions and make the competency of childhood important. The paper introduces methods of the participatory sociology of childhood. It states that accepting children as the “experts” of their lives leads to the understanding of the necessity to study their opinion on the choice of methods of their research. The author presents the point of view according to which children can act not just as participants of sociological research, but also as co-authors, co-researchers.

The work leads to the conclusion that the participatory methods are neither better nor worse than any other method or technique. Their choice is determined by specific aims and objectives of the research. The examples of the Russian sociological studies of childhood, which use the diversity of “traditional” and “modern” methods, are presented. In conclusion, it is noted that foreign and Russian scientists are moving in the same direction – towards finding the best ways to implement the interests of children in the practice of sociological studying of childhood.