Legal and sociocultural implications of adult-centrism in the guarantee of children and adolescents' rights in Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62452/h6pd9r81Keywords:
Adultcentrism, child rights, participation, legal cultureAbstract
The persistence of adultcentrism in Ecuador constitutes a structural barrier to the full recognition of the rights of children and adolescents. This hierarchical legal and social framework marginalizes their voices and agency, reducing their role in decisions that directly impact their development and well-being. The lack of effective participation, the devaluation of their opinions, and the limited scope of inclusive public policies result in a continuous violation of their fundamental rights. The findings show that both the normative system and institutional practices perpetuate this bias, undermining the construction of an active child citizenship. Addressing this issue requires legislative reforms, specialized training in rights-based approaches, and real participation mechanisms. A shift toward an inclusive legal culture is essential—one that acknowledges children as full subjects of rights, not merely as recipients of adult protection.
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