Volunteer child soldiers
by Benjamin on January 14, 2009
Cruel methods of forced recruitment of child soldiers are popular images often used in the academic literature and by the media. Child soldiers are usually portrayed as vulnerable victims and their agency in violent conflict is denied. In some contexts this is justified. Overall this picture is largely misleading. A number of recent studies from Sub-Saharan Africa show that the majority of children and young people join armed groups voluntarily, for a number of reasons. Taking up arms may be a sensible choice and an attractive option, even – and especially – for the young. After pointing to the benefits of children’s participation in conflict, this paper analyses the reasons
for widespread denial of their agency, suggesting a number of hidden agendas by various actors. The micro-level benefits of child soldiering (which become especially obvious where the common fallacy of comparing child soldiers with children in peaceful and prosperous societies is overcome) are nevertheless outweighed by the disadvantages on the macro-level when it comes to reintegration, economic growth and peace. Preventing children’s participation in war is therefore crucial. However, this can only be effective if children’s volunteerism and agency is recognized and addressed, for example through positive structural change.
Schmidt, Alice . 2007. “Volunteer Child Soldiers as Reality: A development issue for Africa.” New School Economic Review 2(1): 49-76
Tags: Child Soldier, Sub-Saharan Africa, Volunteer child soldier
