This book explores how concepts and values of contemporary democracy are
variously understood and applied in diverse cultural contexts, with a
focus on children and childhood and diversity. Drawing on a range of
methodological approaches relevant to early childhood education, it
discusses young children's engagement and voice. The book identifies
existing practices, strengths, theories and considerations in democracy
in early childhood education and childhood, highlighting the democratic
participation of children in cultural contexts. Further, it illustrates
how democracy can be evident in early childhood practices and
interactions across a range of curriculum contexts and perspectives, and
considers ways of advancing and sustaining practices with positive
transformational opportunities to benefit children and wider ecological
systems.
It offers readers insights into what democracy and citizenship look like
in lived experience, and the issues affecting practice and encouraging
reflection and advocacy.