Children, Youth and Development

Children, Youth and Development explores the varied ways in which global processes in the form of development policies, economic and cultural globalization, and international agreements combine with more locally specific practices to shape the lives of young people living in the poorer regions of the world. It examines these processes, and the effects they have on young people 's lives, in relation to developing theoretical approaches to the study of children and youth.

The book introduces different theoretical approaches to the study of young people, and explores the ways in which these, along with predominantly Western conceptions of childhood and youth, have influenced how Third World children have been viewed and treated by international agencies. It explores diverse approaches to development and how these have both neglected, and impinged on the lives of young people. Contexts of globalization and growing international inequality are explored, alongside more local conditions and cultural practices. Chapters are devoted to young people 's health and education, to their involvement in work of various kinds, and to the specific situations of children living in especially difficult circumstances. The book also examines debates concerning children 's rights and their participation in development projects and in research processes.

The book has been updated to take account of significant changes in the contexts in which poor children grow up, notably the financial crisis and changing development policy environment, as well as recent theoretical developments. It is aimed at students on higher level undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as researchers who are unfamiliar with this area of research and practitioners in organizations working to ameliorate the lives of children in Third World countries. It introduces material and concepts to readers in a very accessible way and each chapter employs features such as boxed case studies, summaries of key ideas, discussion questions and guides to further resources. These features will be fully updated in the new edition.

Nicola Ansell is a Reader in the Centre of Human Geography at Brunel University.