Do adults listen to children's vioces?: Understanding the views of Indonesian children from a low-income background in relation to schooling

• Main Author: Wibowo, Retno
• Published: University of Birmingham 2005
• Subjects: 371.0070869420909598
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.422718

This thesis is a qualitative analysis of the views and experiences of 13 Indonesian children from low-income families in relation to education. The thesis discusses issues concerning the social background of the children, their experiences in schooling, and their right to participation. Data was collected from out-of school and in-school children through semi-structured interviews, correspondence, fieldnotes and supported documentary analysis. Supplementary information was gathered from the perceptions of parents and policy makers at various levels. The main conclusion of the study is that children from low-income families in Indonesia are conditioned and developed in the circumstances where adults often treat them with an authoritarian attitude which undermines their courage to express their opinions and ideas. Their ability to participate both at home and at school is not fully recognised by adults. Most children can express themselves in terms of their ideas and experiences of school. They have similarities and differences in their views as a result of the different cultural contexts of the places and situations they are involved in. Several factors influence children's views on schooling. The family process in terms of parents' attitudes, parental support, family climate and parents' education are all essential influences on the perceptions of the children. Other factors are the influence of community including the school climate, behaviour and attitude of peers and others. In terms of decisions, parents and policy makers at all levels make decisions related to children's needs based primarily on adult perspectives. The children's right to participation was neglected as adults mostly focused on the provision and protection of the children. Considering that the life condition of the children, particularly from low-income families, is one of economic and material adversity, promoting their quality of life is essential both in school and at home, including promoting resilience and seeking children's views.