Towards a Nuanced Understanding of Children’s Participation and Realizing Social Justice in the Urban Realm: A Case Study in the Classroom with Ethnic Minority Children

Abstract

This chapter presents a case study of research conducted with 39 children from an ethnic minority background in the city of Enschede, The Netherlands, where we focus on understanding participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding their local neighbourhoods through an experimental digital methodology using Google Maps™. The findings showcase detailed geolocated observations that can be incorporated into the planning process and hold the possibility of better addressing minority children’s needs in their living environments and realizing social justice. Through our discussion of the research process and outcomes, we reflect on facilitation processes and meaningful participation of children while navigating fieldwork material limitations. The chapter starts with a brief discussion on childhood agency and participation, followed by a brief contextual description of the city of Enschede where our study takes place. Next, we highlight the recruitment process followed by a discussion of the digital methodological approach we employed to engage the participants in mapping and producing a visual archive of their positive and negative experiences in their residential neighbourhoods. Finally, we reflect on our study alongside larger debates on children’s agency and participation in urban planning processes.