SUII Seminar Series : Children’s rights, social justice and social identities in Scotland: Intersections in research, policy and practice Seminar 4 Children’s rights, social justice and intersectionality: Putting theory and policy into practice 2 nd October 2014

The Programme Team Prof Geri Smyth Dr Daniela Sime Dr Sheila Hamilton Dr Alison HosieDr Kristina Konstantoni Marlies Kustatscher Dr Akwugo Emejulu Prof John Davis University of Edinburgh Scottish Human Rights Commission University of Strathclyde Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People

Our aims and objectives create meaningful knowledge exchange opportunities generate new knowledge and identify priorities for action disseminate innovative research, policy and practice firmly put children and young people’s inequalities on the agenda in research, policy and practice

Our outcomes a greater awareness of childhood inequalities and equitable practice a fuller understanding of the importance of intersectionality a critical appreciation of the connections between current policy, legislation and practice. an understanding of ways of addressing childhood inequalities and promoting a fair society in policy and practice by identifying strengths, potential gaps and ways forward

Seminar 1: 2 December 2013 Intersecting Childhood Identities, Inequalities and Rights: Unpacking concepts and exploring implications Seminar 2: 20 March 2014 Children and young people’s views on and experiences of intersecting identities and inequalities: facilitating participation and extending the dialogue Seminar 3: 23 June 2014 Intersecting childhood identities, inequalities and social justice: intersectionality, methods and research Seminar 4: 2 October 2014 Intersectional childhoods: Practical applications across practice, policy and research. The seminar series

Innovative examples of good practice with children & young people in ‘single categories’ – children in care, children with disabilities, children living in poverty Our concern is how to recognise and take action on children’s & young people’s complex identities and inequalities How to develop intersectional approaches that make a difference in the lives of children & young people Some Reflections on the seminar series

What does an intersectional social justice approach look like in practice and policy? What are the dilemmas, gaps and ways forward while adopting an intersectional social justice approach? What changes can be made in policy and practice to effectively promote social justice for children and young people? Are there any specific policy/practical tips while adopting an intersectional approach? How can we find fruitful and sustainable ways of collaboration between research, policy and practice and ensure effective interagency/inter-professional work? Today: Seminar 4

What we learned from this process Benefits and challenges of using the concept of intersectionality – intersectionality – a term with complex historical weight and meaning – opens up discussions about the nature of identities and inequalities, and the language we use to talk about them – questioning simplistic distinctions – drawing attention to dynamics of power Re-enforced our belief in children as active and competent agents – engage with complex terms like intersectionality – importance of dialogue between adults and children

What are your final thoughts/reflections?

What’s next? Our outputs – Our website as a resource: video and audio podcasts, speakers’ presentations – Academic work: special journal issue, book – Public engagement work: briefing, twitter, informing policy documents e.g. Standard for Childhood Practice, integrated resources in teaching resources etc. Sustaining dialogue and working with children’s and young people’s organisations Sustaining the network e.g. list, future conference?

What’s next for you? How are you going to take things forward? Please contact us if you want to develop future work on this topic