Who counts in intra-household sharing? Children as active agents in the household economy

Studies of intra-household management and distribution of resources (here called intra-household sharing) focus predominantly on adults. This approach is out of step with the field of childhood studies, which highlights the agency of children as co-constructors of family practices. This chapter proffers a critical and holistic approach, acknowledging children’s roles within household economies. It first outlines the theoretical basis for the inclusion of children as active participants in household sharing practices. It then presents three case studies on how children have been included in studies of intra-household distribution, which focus on the measurement, definition and conceptualisation of child poverty, and appraises the methodological merits of each. The chapter concludes with recommendations pertaining to gaps in methodological and empirical knowledge, including the need to reconceptualise children’s work and the need to apply an intersectional lens including both gender and generation in this field of research.