Conclusion: Reconciling Childhood and Sexuality

Abstract

In this book, we have attempted to explore some of the key issues, perceived problems and areas of dispute around the contentious terrain of childhood and sexuality. The entire text has adopted a ‘problem-centred’ structure. The introductory chapters summarised the range of theoretical positions that compete to provide explanations and evaluations of childhood and sexuality and also the legal and policy terrain that represents political and cultural discourses around childhood and sexuality. The remaining seven chapters were devoted to contemporary ‘problems’ concerning childhood and sexuality. In doing so, we have recognised two broad paradigms—the dominant developmental paradigm that prioritises child protection and an alternative paradigm that recognises children as rights bearing individuals and adopts a child centred position.