Journeys through Childhood Studies

This engaging and accessible study provides a unique in-depth analysis of a small group of women students as they navigate their journeys into and through Higher Education. The analysis contributes a rich, feminist understanding of multifaceted patterns of inequality and how individual experiences can be mapped onto institutional structures and processes. Ingrid Richter includes her own biography and research journey which together with the voices of the women students provides a fascinating insight into the personal, academic and professional development of students as they negotiate an HE system and future workforce increasingly impacted by neo-liberal policies. Sheila Scraton, Professor Emerita, Leeds Beckett University, UK In this scholarly and thoughtful feminist research, Ingrid Richter explores how women students navigate opportunities, constraints and inequalities, whilst on degree courses leading to work with children. She develops and analyses vivid portraits of committed, self-aware students, who make considerable effort to work in children's interests, despite a tough political climate. This is an essential resource for students, academics and professionals involved in advancing children's rights. Sensitively drawing on women's reflections, the author challenges many negative assumptions about student motivation and provides important education and encouragement to those on similar courses. Dr Dorothy Moss, Leeds Beckett University, UK