The Sociology of Children's Rights

Childrens rights appear universal, inalienable, and indivisible, intended to advance young peoples interests. Yet, in practice, evidence suggests the contrary: the international framework of treaties, procedures, and national policies contains fundamental contradictions that weaken commitments to childrens real-world protections. Brian Gran helps us understand what is at stake when childrens rights are compromised. This insightful text grounds readers in core theories and key data about childrens legal entitlements. The chapters tackle central questions about what rights accrue to young people, whether they advance equality, and how they influence childrens identities, freedoms, and societal participation. Ultimately, this book shows how current frameworks hinder young people from possessing and benefiting from human rights, arguing that they function as cynical invitations to question whether we truly believe children are endowed with human rights. The Sociology of Childrens Rights offers a critical and accessible introduction to understanding a complex issue in the contemporary world, and is a compelling read for students and researchers concerned with human rights in sociology, political science, law, social work, and childhood studies.