The least adult role or a playful researcher? Considering an adult’s role when researching with children
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper aims to interrogate the concept of Mandell's ‘least adult role’ and its suitability when co-researching with children in contemporary contexts, particularly children from the Global South. The concept is interrogated in its use in a study in a Non-Governmental School in India. Methodological decisions are productively undone and plugged in to multiple theories, in order to seek a more equitable and ethical way of coresearching with young children. I offer the concept of ‘playful researcher’ and discuss how adult researchers can use playfulness as a disposition when co-researching with children.
Source: Childhood
Author: Sinead Matson
Institution: National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W4410084918