ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the question of how young children can become empowered as ‘experts’ and ‘researchers’ of their own play worlds will be addressed. The chapter is divided into three parts. First there is a discussion of factors that have shaped, and continue to influence, consideration of children as research subjects and researchers in their own right. Attention is drawn here to a critical reflection on dominant ideologies of childhood. Second, the discussion turns to considering the usefulness of the notion of critical pedagogy and emancipatory cultural practice in research with children. Here, the theoretical perspective of Paulo Freire is offered as a suggested frame of reference and practical tool. Finally, the chapter offers a critique of the author’s own practice in an image-based research context.
