Members of the interdisciplinary Child and Youth Studies group draw on a range of approaches and research methodologies, including developmental psychology, childhood studies, sociology, anthropology, ethnography and cultural studies. The group encompasses studies of children's and young people's experiences, representations, learning, development, inclusion and social participation. Of concern are the institutions and social practices that shape their lives, and the cultural and personal constructions of childhood and youth that mediate these processes. 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 members are engaged international research and in studies with a strong policy/applied focus, e.g. on early childhood care and education, and child labour. 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 recently been established to support active research by children from local schools and further a field.
