THE CHARM AND DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE "PARTICIPATORY" PROSPECTIVE SOCIOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD: THE PARTICIPATORY APPROACH IN THE STUDIES OF CHILDHOOD AND ITS CRITICAL EVALUATION
Based on the works of foreign and domestic sociologists of childhood, we consider the key foundations of the modern sociology of childhood. We show how the participatory approach is included in the main principles of today's sociology of childhood and prove that it is fully in line with the main theses of the modern sociology of childhood. Particular attention is given to the contradictions of this approach in the study of childhood. These contradictions are considered at the levels of theory, methodology, methods and techniques of children’s research, as well as in the presentation of the research results. It is concluded that the participatory approach is no less problematic than traditional approaches to childhood research. It is noted that Russian sociology of childhood keeps pace with the times and prioritizes the children’s interests. It is emphasized that both foreign and domestic scientists are moving in the same direction: they try to find optimal ways for promoting and protecting the interests of children in the practice of sociological studies of childhood.