Are Children More Vulnerable Than Adults?

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the SpringerBriefs in Law book series (BRIEFSLAW)

Abstract

Chapter 4 will challenge the assumption that children are more vulnerable than adults. It will explore the arguments in favour of universal vulnerability and argue that everyone (adults and children) has impaired capacity, is dependent on others, and has frail bodies. The argument will be made that childhood is a social construction created to disguise the vulnerability of adults. Rather than the more common argument that children’s abilities are under-estimated and that they can be as competent as adults, it will be argued that adult’s abilities are over-estimated and adults are as incompetent as children.

Keywords

Vulnerability Rationality Values Capacity Bodies Self Identity 
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Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Faculty of Law, Exeter CollegeUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK

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