Children’s perception of well-being

This article investigates children’s perceptions of well-being, specifically related to the relationship between well-being and poverty. The research was conducted in an area of economic well-being, specifically in South Tyrol. The research adopted a participatory orientation to involve young people as social actors in the research process. The content analysis was carried out on two levels of the participatory method with an intertwined research process: photovoice and focus group. This is a key way of interweaving the activities of the participatory method in a performative way of conducting research to understand the children’s perceptions better. Groups of children (five photovoice participants ranging from eight to 17 years old) from urban areas of South Tyrol and from different social backgrounds were involved. Then, a focus group was held with six people to explore the significant results of the photovoice. As the results show, the data reveal how well-being and poverty are sensitive issues and that children require time to explain and process them. Finally, the article ends by emphasising the strengths and limitations of the study and by highlighting the need for further discussion to better orientate research perspectives that address children’s well-being.