This public lecture, hosted by the Children and Young People Thematic Hub and partners, and featuring Distinguished Professor John Wall, is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment.

This talk introduces the concept of childism. Childism has emerged in academic and social movements in the past decade as a critical theory akin to feminism, anti-racism, and decolonialism. What is distinct about childism is that it focuses on the specific empowerment of children as children. 

Children are a third of the world’s population, yet they find themselves marginalised in many domains of politics, economics, climate policy and cultural expression. All too often their human rights are not recognised nor realised. What kinds of adultism or patriarchy do children face? How are children and their allies fighting and organising against it? And how would greater responsiveness to children transform deeply-rooted beliefs and power structures?

About the speaker

John Wall is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Religion and Childhood Studies, and Director of the Childism Institute at Rutgers University, United States. His nine books, journal articles and public media explore the intersection of political philosophy and children’s rights. He is best known for developing the critical theory of childism, or children’s social empowerment, as well as for research and advocacy around children’s rights to vote.

This will be an in-person only event, held in the Usha Kasera Lecture Theatre.

For any enquiries, please contact the organisers at: MHSES-REI-Events@ed.ac.uk

This lecture has been organised by the Moray House School of Education and Sport. They would like to acknowledge the support and collaborations for this lecture and the linked Talbot Rice Gallery Exhibition (‘The Children are Now,’ Oct 2025-Feb 2026):

The Binks Hub

CAHSS Challenge Investment Fund, University of Edinburgh

Centre for Research on Families and Relationships

Children’s Parliament

Children and Young People Thematic Hub, MHSES University of Edinburgh

Childhood and Youth Theme, CAHSS University of Edinburgh

The Talbot Rice Gallery