Date Thursday 26th February 2009

Time 9.30am - 4pm

The future of Children’s Geographies has recently become the focus of sustained debate, with some geographers expressing apparent concern with both the focus of empirical research and the ways in which theoretical insights are generated (e.g. Ansell 2008; Beale 2006; Bushin 2008; Horton and Kraftl 2005, 2006, 2008; Hopkins and Pain 2007; Kesby 2007; Vanderbeck 2008). Accused of a preoccupation with the socio-chronological margins and of operating under a politics of consensus that obscures potentially productive tensions within the field, it has been suggested that Children’s Geographers have failed to adequately engage with some contemporary ‘Big Issues’. This workshop takes up these debates, engaging in a series of provocative and wide-ranging discussions to suggest ways in which Children’s Geographers might usefully respond to these arguments and develop new ways of thinking about the future direction of Children’s Geographies. Papers are invited along the following themes:

‘Big Issues’ for children and young people – contemporary political issues of relevance to and children and young people, e.g. reproductive rights, education, violence, crime and antisocial behaviour, democratic rights.
Contemporary issues in Children’s Geographies – the distinct contribution of the sub-discipline to Geography and, more broadly, to the social studies of childhood.

Confirmed keynote speaker: Dr. Robert Vanderbeck, University of Leeds

Abstracts

Abstracts are invited of 150-200 words. Please submit to Jo Pike (j.pike@hull.ac.uk) by Monday 19th January. If you would like to attend the workshop please email j.pike@hull.ac.uk for a registration form. The cost is £15, or free for postgraduates/unwaged. There are a limited number of bursaries available to support postgraduate attendance. Registration for the workshop closes on 19th February 2009.