Tightening the net: children, community, and control

Area of Science:

• Social Policy
• Political Philosophy
• Childhood Studies

Background:

• The UK's New Labour government's 'Third Way' revitalized social democracy, incorporating communitarianism.
• Communitarian principles emphasize community involvement in policy, aiming to strengthen civic society.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the impact of 'Third Way' social policies on children's rights and agency.
• To examine whether these policies enhance or restrict children's participation as citizens.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of 'Third Way' policies and communitarianism.
• Examination of policy implications for children's rights in relation to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Main Results:

• While communitarian policies aim to boost civic engagement, they often increase social control over children.
• These policies have restricted children's agency and rights, limiting their citizenship participation.

Conclusions:

• 'Third Way' policies, despite their aims, have marginalized children rather than empowering them.
• There is a disconnect between communitarian ideals and the actual impact on children's rights and participation.