Abstract

This chapter has three main aims. Firstly, it introduces how contemporary sociological approaches to the study of childhood can enable us to make sense of the social worlds of children and young people. Secondly, the chapter reports on how we are drawing on such approaches to inform the establishment of an on-going research project with looked after children, (Extra)ordinary Lives, and some findings from the research are presented. Thirdly, the chapter explores the relevance of sociological approaches to the study of childhood for direct practice, drawing out implications of both the research methods and some of the research findings fo r those who work with children and young people.