Young People as Moral Beings: Childhood, Morality and Inter-Generational Relationships

This article uses the work of Goffman to explore how a group of older children presented a moral self in a study of inter-generational relationships. By reflecting critically on their own behaviour and that of other young people and adults, they presented themselves as morally competent agents, whilst questioning the taken-for-granted moral competence of adults. Their presentation of a moral self involved portraying themselves as moral beings, whilst acknowledging that they are also moral becomings. The findings highlight how the embedded authority and associated moral accountability of adults in relation to children militate against recognising children's moral agency.