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Autonomy and Vulnerability: On Just Relations Between Adults and Children
Author(s) -
Benporath Sigal R.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of philosophy of education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.501
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1467-9752
pISSN - 0309-8249
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9752.3701009
Subject(s) - autonomy , vulnerability (computing) , construct (python library) , maturity (psychological) , politics , sociology , early childhood education , personal autonomy , developmental psychology , psychology , political science , law , computer security , computer science , programming language
The relationship between adults and children in liberal democracies is based on two flawed assumptions that are widespread: first, that childhood is an impediment, a passing phase of impaired maturity; and second, that children benefit from the proliferation of rights ascribed to them. Social institutions, and particularly the education system, are correspondingly misconstrued. This article focuses on the combined effect of vulnerability and autonomy as they construct contemporary childhood. I conclude that adults' obligations rather than children's rights are the appropriate social, political and educational basis for adult society's relations with children.