With children in their lived place: children's action as research data

Abstract

This article discusses theory and methods of researching the everyday experiences of children in the city environment combined with the question of giving a voice to children. The article is organised into three parts. Part one provides a conceptual background, theorising the relational as well as intergenerational character of the concept of environment. The cultural-geographical theory and the concept of Thirdspace are used. Part two illustrates the theoretical and methodological themes with reference to my study with children. I explored the encounter between children and the urban environment. I applied ethnographic tours around a city block with children and the children's spontaneous chat and actions are the data which provide the basis for reflecting on how children's lived places arise in everyday action. The third part of this article discusses the construction of children's lived places and urban childhood.