Does Participatory Research Genuinely Extend the Sphere of Participation for Children and Young People?

Despite great theoretical and practical strides within the field of participatory research there is inevitably ‘more to do’, particularly in ensuring authentic engagement and guarding against exclusion of children and young people based on their characteristics or circumstances. Participatory research generates the potential for children and young people and researchers to create the conditions for building a robust network of relationships and opportunities. Creating the conditions to support the personal reflexivity of children and young people is key to the evolution of their capacity and capability for participation and their empowerment and transformation through the co-production of knowledge. Undertaking participatory research that is authentic and genuinely ensures equity, diversity and inclusivity is important, but it needs to be seen as just one component of a wider shift in society that is about co-producing change with children and young people.