The problems and prospects of children\u27s participation theory : The children\u27s participation theory of Roger.A Hart and beyond

A literature review of the representative theories of children\u27s participation initiates by Hart, R.A. (1992; 1997) and a survey of the practice of children\u27s participation in Japan based on Hart\u27s theory was conducted. It was found that Hart\u27s theoretical direction produced some of the difficulties in the practice. Those are (1) Deep attachment to the democracy poses limits on the opportunities of the participation; (2) Assumptions of ⅰ)the ability of the participation and ⅱ) children\u27s participation for society and community, result in adult-centered relationship; and (3) Consideration limited only to professional adults crates embarrassment for many adults in deciding how to relate to children. Clues to rebuild the theory of the children\u27s participation in Japan were sought from the legitimate peripheral participation theory (Lave, j. & Wenger, E., 1991) and theories of the participation in the community (Rogoff, B., 1990; 2003). The need to have closer look at the participation process and changing nature of the relationship between children and community was discussed