In this article, the meaning of child participation and his/her effective possibility to take initiatives concerning social practices are discussed considering the institutionalization of childhood and children's segregation from the "adult world". Starting from the social construction of the childhood concept, based on the assumption of children inabilities and incapacities, follows a discussion concerning the possible different levels of children participation in decision making. From a sociocultural-historical approach, it is possible to understand how the development of the 'childhood' concept and the adoption of different criteria may promote a closer approach between children and adults and the sharing of projects, responsibilities and commitments.
Children participation; Concept of childhood; Institutionalization of childhood; Child visibility