Research
You will find a complete range of our monographs, muti-authored and edited works including peer-reviewed, original scholarly research across the social sciences and aligned disciplines. We publish long and short form research and you can browse the complete Bristol University Press and Policy Press archive.
Policy Press also publishes policy reviews and polemic work which aim to challenge policy and practice in certain fields. These books have a practitioner in mind and are practical, accessible in style, as well as being academically sound and referenced.
Books: Research
How can we help children make a difference, allowing them to shape their communities, locally and globally? Drawing on a rich blend of academic research and case studies, Alison Body critically examines societal structures, including education, communities and cultural narratives, that shape children's understanding of active, philanthropic citizenship.
Children as Change-Makers calls for a reimagining of philanthropy as a form of participatory citizenship, advocating for a philanthropic ecosystem framed by justice, solidarity and collective action. It serves as a roadmap for all stakeholders – from individuals to institutions – to empower children as agents of positive social change, fostering a more just world for generations to come.
In this concluding chapter I offer a summary of the key arguments in this book, alongside a critical examination of raising children as philanthropic citizens, challenging conventional notions of philanthropy and citizenship. Through highlighting the role of children as change agents in philanthropy, I advocate for a shift towards fostering critical thinking, collective action and social justice. I emphasise the importance of defending spaces within in youth work and education for children’s agency, advocating for their right to voice, fostering collective action and redistribution of power. By challenging institutionalised notions of the ‘good citizen’ and advocating for allyship and solidarity, the chapter calls for a transformative approach to philanthropy rooted in justice. It concludes by urging a shift in funding practices towards community-led initiatives and involving children in decision-making processes, thus promoting a more inclusive and equitable philanthropic ecosystem.
This chapter critically explores the pressing concerns facing children in our ever-changing world. While climate change, human rights limitations and global conflicts loom large, there’s also hope in the form of remarkable individuals and initiatives. Here I focus on the evolving concept of childhood citizenship, examining the tension between viewing children as current stakeholders or future citizens. The UNCRC catalysed this debate, challenging traditional notions of citizenship. I advocate for a balanced approach that acknowledges children as citizens while accommodating their developmental needs. However, challenges persist, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental restrictions on civil liberties. As children navigate this complex landscape, this chapter concludes by arguing that it is imperative to empower them as active participants in shaping their world.
This chapter critically explores the pivotal role of children and youth as key actors in the global climate change movement, positioning them as essential agents of change amid the urgent climate crisis. It emphasises the transformative potential of youth-led movements, shifting the focus from climate action to climate justice, and advocating for solutions that address social and ethical injustices. I highlight how civil society organisations play a crucial role in empowering children by providing platforms for engagement, educational programmes, mentorship and resources. Nonetheless, despite their significant impact, youth-led initiatives face inadequate philanthropic funding, highlighting a pressing need for transformative action. Ultimately, this chapter underscores the urgency of the climate crisis and the necessity of empowering children to actively contribute to building a sustainable and just future, despite challenges in media narratives and funding.
This chapter challenges traditional narratives that portray children as apolitical actors, limiting their engagement to civic duty and character development. It advocates for recognising children as active citizens, capable of participating in community organising and advocacy. Despite challenges, organisations like Citizens UK are empowering children to address societal issues. Genuine youth participation not only benefits young citizens but also transforms adult perspectives on citizenship. From ethical consumerism to direct activism, children are contributing to social change through diverse strategies. Therefore, I conclude by arguing that increased funding in community organising is crucial for nurturing children’s activism and amplifying their voices. Collaborative efforts among governments, philanthropists and civil society are needed to embrace children as change makers and foster a more equitable society.
Drawing on interviews from 40 civil society leaders championing children’s philanthropic citizenship, this chapter underscores a pivotal juncture in philanthropy, emphasising the potential of children as dynamic contributors to civic engagement and social change. I argue that by acknowledging children as proactive agents within the philanthropic landscape, a transformative shift is possible. Philanthropy stands poised to either perpetuate traditional paradigms, relegating children to the periphery, or to pivot towards comprehensive engagement, nurturing children’s philanthropic citizenship. To actualise this vision, I argue that philanthropic funders must revisit funding models, operational modalities and priorities to focus on children’s inclusion and empowerment. Through dedicated investment in initiatives that amplify children’s voices, fortify their agency and cultivate their leadership capacities, philanthropy can forge a more equitable, compassionate future. This chapter advocates for a child-centred ethos, propelling philanthropy towards a more democratic and participative mode of operation.
This chapter examines the pivotal role of schools in fostering philanthropy and civic engagement among children and young people, focusing on moving beyond monetary giving to instil deeper, more meaningful involvement in addressing social issues. Drawing on both English and US perspectives, the chapter urges a shift towards comprehensive approaches that address root causes and nurture critical thinking. The inclusion of external civil society organisations and the reconceptualisation of teachers as civic leaders are proposed as critical factors. Highlighting The Giving Square as a groundbreaking model, the chapter emphasises its focus on intrinsic motivation, meaningful connections and diverse contributions, ensuring universal accessibility, and fostering responsibility and community connection. Overall, schools are recognised as vital catalysts for cultivating philanthropy and civic engagement, necessitating a more inclusive civic education landscape.
This chapter critically examines the transition from kindness to collective approaches, including allyship and solidarity in nurturing philanthropic citizenship among children. While kindness is a valuable foundation, its commodification in the digital age and its tendency to overlook systemic issues pose challenges. Through case studies like Family Volunteering Club and St Lawrence School’s Agents of Change programme, grassroots initiatives demonstrate empowering children for broader societal impact. Ethical concerns arise, exemplified by MrBeast’s philanthropy, highlighting the need for critical philanthropy education. Shifting children towards solidarity and allyship is essential for justice-oriented citizenship, emphasising familial influence and the role of literature in reshaping narratives. Ultimately, balancing individual kindness with systemic change fosters inclusive dialogue and cultivates equitable philanthropic citizenship.
This chapter critically examines the transformative potential of child-led fundraising, emphasising its role in empowering children and fostering critical engagement with social issues. Drawing on qualitative research with over 150 young children, it demonstrates how such initiatives cultivate valuable life skills, empathy and community bonds. However, it also scrutinises media representations, revealing a dichotomy between exceptionalism and marginalisation. I highlight that while some children are lauded as heroes, others are overlooked or co-opted for political agendas, perpetuating adult-centric narratives and stifling children’s agency. The chapter calls for a re-evaluation of media portrayals to embrace a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of children’s roles in philanthropy and civic engagement, advocating for a shift towards equitable and participatory models of citizenship that empower all children as change makers.
