A Meta-Theoretical Introduction to Reconceptualizing Structure in the Relational Sociology of Childhood

Authors : Fazilet DALFİDAN

Pages : 440-457

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Publication Date : 2023-03-28

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :The relational sociology of childhood often has a structural character. This is related to regarding structures as having a causal power that exists analytically apart from agency, ontologically prior to agency. In this context, this article problematizes the understanding of structure in relational childhood sociology. Based on the concept of structure in hybrid-relational childhood ontology, this article argues which features of Elias and Dépelteau\`s relational ontologies can be included in the relational ontology of childhood in order to strengthen the understanding of structure positioned in interdependence relations. The aim of the article is to make a theoretical contribution to the reconceptualization of structure in relational analysis of childhood by drawing attention to the need for an interactional-relational childhood ontology as an alternative to the structural-relational perspective. Looking at children\`s agency from an interactional-relational perspective will further reveal their potential to disrupt the taken for granted conceptualizations and sense-making of children\`s social worlds.
Keywords : ilişkisel ontoloji, çocukluk, faillik yapı, figürasyon, işlem