Exploring Children's Conceptualizations of Children

Abstract

Using a social constructionist perspective, the present research study explored conceptualizations of children by asking a select group of children living in Norway to discuss ideas that they can relate to the term “children.” Qualitative methods of participatory observation, word association task, and interview were used to obtain data. Five conceptual themes emerged from data analysis: children as possessing specific traits; children as having affinities for certain objects; children as defined by their activities; children as belonging to specific places; children as a generational group.