Edited by Patrick Diamond, Sunder Katwala and Meg Munn
(Fabian Society, 07163 0613 1, 6.95, 020 7227 4900)
Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant The Fabian Society has a long track record of stimulating debate about the context of policy making. This slim book offers an interesting read as writers strive to think afresh about political decisions that affect children. Much of the text shows how political thinking mostly places children as an accessory to something or someone else.
Kate Stanley stresses that 'child-centred politics' should view children as current citizens, not as desperately needed future workers. Richard Reeves poses awkward questions about whether education and childcare should be built around an aim to get parents into work. He suggests that, rather than creating a family-friendly economy, the current approach sets out to create economy-friendly families. Mary Riddell considers how the work-life balance is usually seen from an adult perspective.
The editors thank all the children and young people who conveyed their views. Yet adult perspectives underpin much of the discussion about the value of 'universal childcare' and the flexibility delivered by extended schools. I wonder how many non-adult contributors suggested 'the new politics of childhood' should start by enabling them to spend as much time as possible in their family home?
