Marginalising parents through ‘partnership’: reframing policy and practice.

Activity: Academic Talks or PresentationsConference PresentationResearch

Description

The research aims to challenge unconscious bias in current policy and practice with parents in early childhood (0-
8yrs). It suggests reframing thinking by listening to the hidden voices of marginalised families. There is much written around partnership and reciprocity across both policy and literature (Rouse & O'Brien, 2017; Thompson & Simmons,
2023; Meyer, Waterman, Coleman & Strambler, 2023). However, bringing hidden voices to the fore is not prevalent. The approach to the investigation was informed by participatory research (Levy & Thompson, 2015), a model of
family learning (Marsh & Thompson, 2001) and insight into experiences of contemporary motherhood (Simmons, 2020). Through an interpretivist paradigm, Connelly & Clandinin (2006:375) suggest narrative inquiry is ‘the study of
experience as story’. Excerpts of parent stories will be used to illustrate and challenge current practices and potential unconscious bias. The research then considers applying models of participation (Shier, 2001; Lundy 2014) to harness
the power of story to change current practice. This research has followed the Ethical Codes of Conduct from Universities of the Principal Investigators. Ethical guidelines (BERA 2018; EECERA 2015) also informed the design of
the research regarding consent, right to withdraw and anonymity. Initial findings were presented in an edited book published by Sage. The research continues with parents of children with anaphylaxis to consider uses of participatory
models in practice to support those marginalised to find a voice. To challenge perceptions and understanding of how current policy and practice surrounding partnership with parents suggests a deficit rather than credit model,
resulting in marginalising and silencing of voices.
Key words: parents, partnership, co production, marginalised, participatory
Period6 Sept 2024
Event titleEECERA 2024 Conference
Event typeConference
LocationBrighton, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of RecognitionNational

Keywords

  • Parenting
  • Marginalised
  • Policy
  • Practice