Why Do Children’s Aspirations Matter?

A work in progress seminar with Caroline Hart on January 25th, from 12pm to 1:30pm in Donald McIntyre Building 2S3. 

Caroline’s theoretical work builds on Amartya Sen’s capability approach and Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology as well as Social Quality Theory. Caroline will offer some reflections on her research journey and how developing a model of aspiration led her towards a capability approach in the conceptualisation and pursuit of social justice. In her empirical work Caroline has explored a range of issues related to children’s well-being.  In this presentation, to bring theory to life, she will draw on current research into schools as ‘health-promoting institutions’, drawing out the implications for future research to inform policy and practice on child-wellbeing.

Caroline Sarojini Hart received her PhD from the University of Cambridge and currently holds posts as Lecturer in Education Studies at the University of Sheffield and Affiliated Lecturer in Education at the University of Cambridge. She is joint Education Officer and a Fellow of the Human Development and Capability Association (www.hd-ca.org). Her principal research interests concern human development and social justice, foregrounding in particular the role of education in relation to children’s aspirations, health and well-being. Prior to her research career, Caroline was a teacher and an outdoor pursuits leader in the UK and abroad.