Generational Justice and the Genuine Subaltern Status of Childhood: Preliminary Considerations of a Radical Democratic Framework

This study aims to critically examine the concept of intergenerational justice through the lens of the subaltern status of childhood. Firstly, i will demonstrate how traditional theories of justice, including egalitarianism, the capability approach (cf. Sen, 2010) and John Rawls' "Theory of Justice" (1979), fail to adequately address childhood as a spezific and distinct phase of life. Furthermore, these theories often reduce children to "future adults", thereby ignoring their intrinsic value in the present.

In order to understand why theories of justice fall short when it comes to childhood, I have explored the fundamental ways in which childhood is constructed. Before we can discuss justice for children, it is crucial to establish that childhood is a social construct with a subaltern status. Current concepts of intergenerational justice often focus on future generations while overlooking the immediate realities of children. This approach treats children as passive recipients of frameworks designed by adults, marginalising their experiences and needs. Consequently, this reinforces their subordination to adults within societal structures - what I refer to as the "genuine subalternity" of childhood (cf. Spivak, 1988).

This genuine subalternity must be recognised before any meaningful discussion of justice for children can take place. Childhood requires a distinct conception of justice that is not simply an extension of adult frameworks. I propose a radical democratic approach that recognises the distinct needs and experiences of children and advocates for justice that is co-created by both adults and children. Only through this framework can we ensure true intergenerational justice - a justice that takes into account not only children's future potential, but also their current agency and status, even if the subaltern status of childhood cannot be overcome.