We draw on a range of approaches and research methodologies, including developmental psychology, childhood studies, sociology, anthropology, ethnography, cultural studies and cultural geography.
Our research priorities reflect the diversity of childhoods (for example, related to social, economic and cultural contexts) and the diversity of children’s lived experiences (for example, related to age, gender, parenting/family experiences, abilities, disabilities and mental health). Several of us are engaged in international research and in studies with a strong policy/applied focus, for example, on early childhood care and education, and child labour.
We have a network of contacts in a range of settings, including local schools, playgroups, maternity hospitals and youth groups. Research facilities include equipment for eye-tracking, video recording and analysis to support data gathering in our observation suite and elsewhere. A Children’s Research Centre has been established to support active research by children from local schools and further afield.
The group has good contacts with local schools, playgroups, maternity hospitals, youth groups etc. Research facilities include equipment for eye-tracking and video recording and analysis to support data gathering in the group's observation suite and in other settings. A Children's Research Centre has been established to support active research by children from local schools and further afield. There are 10 post-graduate students associated with the group and we have obtained research related income since 2001 of over £1,800,000.
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Find out more about The Open University Childhood and Youth Studies research degree topics.