Perceptions of Age in Early Childhood Settings and their Communities: How do young children view people aged 55 and over? How do people aged 55 and over view young children?

Dugan-Clements, C., Murray, J. and Ward, A. Perceptions of Age in Early Childhood Settings and their Communities: How do young children view people aged 55 and over? How do people aged 55 and over view young children? PhD thesis. University of Northampton.

Texts
Information

[A][B][+][-]

20904:61662

[A][B][+][-]

20904:61662

[thumbnail of Dugan_Clements_Claire_2025_Perceptions_of_Age_in_Early_Childhood_Settings_and_their_Communities_How_do_young_children_view_people_aged_55_and_over_How_do_people_aged_55_and_over_view_young_children]

Dugan_Clements_Claire_2025_Perceptions_of_Age_in_Early_Childhood_Settings_and_their_Communities_How_do_young_children_view_people_aged_55_and_over_How_do_people_aged_55_and_over_view_young_children
Dugan_Clements_Claire_2025_Perceptions_of_Age_in_Early_Childhood_Settings_and_their_Communities_How_do_young_children_view_people_aged_55_and_over_How_do_people_aged_55_and_over_view_young_children.pdf
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Information

Abstract:

Society is becoming increasingly segregated by age, with limited intergenerational contact. However, rising childcare costs and increased longevity mean many children are spending more time with grandparents. The aim of the present study was to understand children’s aged 3-5 years old perception of adults aged 55 and adults’ perceptions of children’s aged 3-5 years old. Using a social constructivist framework supported by phenomenology, the study employed intrinsic multiple case studies to explore intergenerational perceptions. Data collection utilized an adaptation of PhotoVoice and interviews, where children aged 3-5 years old (n=34) and adults aged 55 plus (n=8) expressed their perceptions and experiences. An adaption of Braun and Clarke’s (2017) Reflective Thematic Analysis was applied to identify patterns of meaning. Findings revealed the concept of an intergenerational “meeting place”, highlighting shared understandings of play, the significance of treats, and the role of grandparents in children’s lives which contribute to existing knowledge.

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Children, Adults, Grandparent, Relationships, Meeting place

Creators:

Dugan-Clements, C., Murray, J. and Ward, A.

Department:

University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Education and Research Research Centres > Centre for Education and Research ; Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Education, Children and Young People

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Education and Research
Research Centres > Centre for Education and Research
?? FHE ??
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Education, Children and Young People

Language:

English

Status:

Published / Disseminated

Refereed:

Institution:

University of Northampton