Susan Groundwater-Smith & Sue Dockett 
Participatory Research with Children and Young People 

This book sets out a clear framework for conducting participatory research with children and young people within a discussion of the rights of the child. Through extensive case studies and a close review of contemporary literature, in relation to early childhood through to late adolescence, the book serves as a critical guide to issues in participative research for students and researchers.

The book includes chapters on:

• Designing your research project


• Ethical considerations


• Innovative methods


• Publication and dissemination.

Table of Content

Introduction: Arguing The Case For Participatory Research With Children And Young People

Developing New Methodological Understandings Of Social Research With Children And Young People

Ethical Questions In Relation To Participatory Research With Children And Young People

Designing A Project With Children And Young People: Investigating The ‘Researchable Question’

A Political Ecology Of Access And Cooperation

Innovative Methods

Issues Of Impact And Sustainability In The Context Of Participatory Design And Construction

Publication And Dissemination

Action And Participation

About the author

Dorothy Bottrell is a Senior Lecturer in Social Pedagogy, in the College of Education, Victoria University Melbourne and Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney. Her background is in secondary teaching, juvenile justice, youth and community work and TAFE teaching in community services. She has extensive experience working with marginalised young people and has led or contributed to participatory projects with young people and community organisations, including murals, girls’ film-making, establishing a young parents’ group, community-based education for early school-leavers and community development forums with children, young people, Aboriginal families and an older women’s group. Her research has focused on the resilience of marginalised young people, including theoretical and qualitative empirical work that centres young people’s accounts of school, community and service systems. She is currently researching the interrelationship of resilience and responsibility, using political ecology and social justice frameworks; and is associate researcher with Kitty te Riele and Vicky Plows (Victoria Institute) on alternative education programs. Dorothy is co-author of A political ecology of youth and crime; and or co-editor of Schools, communities and social inclusion; and Communities and change.