Professor Sabine Andresen gave lecture “Ask us! Participatory research’s potential and limitations in childhood and family research”

The lecture was part of the events tributing the 105th anniversary of the Estonian-language University of Tartu. During the the anniversary ceremony, professor Andresen was appointed Honorary Doctor in Sociology of the University of Tartu. This title recognises Professor Andresen’s pioneering research in childhood studies and her long and fruitful collaboration with the social scientists of the University of Tartu in the study of child and family well-being.

Professor Andresen’s interdisciplinary research combines sociology, psychology, political science and educational sciences. Her research topics include historical and political perspectives on childhood and youth in the 20th century and empirical studies on children’s rights, well-being, and childhood vulnerability. A significant part of her research is on children and young people who are in vulnerable situations for various reasons. During the last decade, her research has focused on the sexual abuse of children and young people.

Professor Andresen has done internationally outstanding work in developing a theory and methodology of child well-being. Her research is characterised by innovation, broad scope and significant societal impact. Andresen’s work as a member of the board of the International Society for Child Indicators (ISCI) is especially noteworthy.

Andresen has had a long-standing collaboration with the University of Tartu through the research team on child and family well-being at the Institute of Social Studies. Together, they are carrying out the global children’s subjective well-being survey, the ISCI-coordinated “Children’s Worlds”, in which Andresen is a member of the core team.