Children: Rights and Childhood

by David Archard

Whether children have rights is a debate that in recent years has spilled over into all areas of public life. It has never been more topical than now as the assumed rights of parents over their children is challenged on an almost daily basis. David Archard offers the first serious and sustained philosophical examination of children and their rights.
Archard reviews arguments for and against according children rights. He concludes that every child has at least the right to the best possible upbringing. Denying that parents have any significant rights over their children, he is able to challenge current thinking about the proper roles of state and family in rearing children. Crucially, he considers the problem of how to define and understand `child abuse'.

Genres: Philosophy

Paperback

First published June 10, 1993

Reviews

[Alexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't agree with a number of the author's conclusions, and readers should reflect carefully before swallowing his arguments wholeheartedly...Archard writes persuasively, but there are times I think there are issues he has not addressed. That having been said, on the whole Archard is articulate, thoughtful and easy to read, and the book is a valuable addition to the discussion of children's rights.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very useful - 2*

I made no notes but it might be interesting to some people. It wasn't useful for my debate.