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Child soldiers: our representation challenged by their reality

Child soldiers: our representation challenged by their reality Purpose – The aim of the paper is to present some events in the life of ex‐child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in relation to the social policy in place and the social representation of child soldiers and childhood in the country. The paper presents an overall picture of the different interventions used with child soldiers in Kinshasa, some elements of the social representation of the child soldier, and finally three stages in a child soldier's life, which bring into question those representations. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a qualitative approach including general informal observation, semi‐directive interviews, focus groups based on drawings and inquired‐investigator exercises with 45 ex‐child soldiers in three towns in DRC. Finally 12 interviews, based on the image classification exercise were carried out with Congolese adults belonging to the middle class in Kinshasa. Findings – The paper suggests that child soldiers are represented as passive victims, while the reality of their life shows their capacity for action and decision. Research limitations/implications – Because of the continuing fighting inside DRC, part of the population is not accessible. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for actions by the NGO sector or other kinds of aid organization. Originality/value – First, the paper uses new tools for collecting data from children. Second, it presents a study of a subject that, whilst being widely popularized through the media, lacks adequate scientific research. Third, the paper brings into question the Western point of view of the experience of child soldiers. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy Emerald Publishing

Child soldiers: our representation challenged by their reality

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References (31)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0144-333X
DOI
10.1108/01443331111164160
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to present some events in the life of ex‐child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in relation to the social policy in place and the social representation of child soldiers and childhood in the country. The paper presents an overall picture of the different interventions used with child soldiers in Kinshasa, some elements of the social representation of the child soldier, and finally three stages in a child soldier's life, which bring into question those representations. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a qualitative approach including general informal observation, semi‐directive interviews, focus groups based on drawings and inquired‐investigator exercises with 45 ex‐child soldiers in three towns in DRC. Finally 12 interviews, based on the image classification exercise were carried out with Congolese adults belonging to the middle class in Kinshasa. Findings – The paper suggests that child soldiers are represented as passive victims, while the reality of their life shows their capacity for action and decision. Research limitations/implications – Because of the continuing fighting inside DRC, part of the population is not accessible. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for actions by the NGO sector or other kinds of aid organization. Originality/value – First, the paper uses new tools for collecting data from children. Second, it presents a study of a subject that, whilst being widely popularized through the media, lacks adequate scientific research. Third, the paper brings into question the Western point of view of the experience of child soldiers.

Journal

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy – Emerald Publishing

Published: Sep 6, 2011

Keywords: Children (age groups); Child soldiers; The Democratic Republic of Congo

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