Rights of Childhood

Abstract

Do children have a right to participate in decisions about their lives? Does it even make sense to talk of children having rights, and if so what rights? In this chapter I look at the philosophical basis for theories of children’s rights and at some arguments about the potential for conflict between different kinds of rights. I argue that it does make sense to talk of children having rights; that these can include rights to welfare and protection as well as rights to freedom and participation; that conflict between the two kinds of rights is a practical matter rather than one of fundamental principle; and that the exercise of rights is distinct from their possession and varies with circumstances, in which age is one — but not the only — factor.