Giving children space to express themselves: exploring children’s views and perspectives of contact programmes in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

This paper presents the perspectives of 10–11-year-old children from conflict-affected areas in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Macedonia. By drawing upon Bronfennbrenner’s ecological theory and Bourdieu’s notion of habitus, the main aim of the paper is to show different reactions to intergroup contact based on the children’s previous experiences and their habitus. The findings reveal children’s competency in interpreting information connected to the intergroup relations gathered through various systems they belong to. Moreover, the paper shows how children connect their previous experiences with contact encounters. Therefore the paper suggests the development and implementation of contact programmes that will pay attention to the broader context and children’s perspectives, so that the quality of contact can be improved and planned contact interventions can lead to positive change.