Reclaiming Authority Over One's Own Story

Sor Juana's Response to Sor Philothea demonstrates narrative authority: she reclaimed and reframed her own story against a bishop's attempt to control her narrative and redirect her life. This concept is vital for children's rights: children's stories are constantly told by others—parents, teachers, psychologists, media, courts—often without their input or consent. Their narratives of trauma, identity, ability, and potential are authored by adults with power, frequently in ways that serve adult interests rather than children's dignity. Narrative authority for children means they participate in telling their own stories, that their versions of events are heard, and that adults do not exploit their experiences for adult purposes. This is especially important for children who have experienced trauma: survivor-centered approaches recognize their right to control their narratives rather than having stories extracted for investigation or entertainment. It also applies to how children are represented in media, research, and policy: do they have voice in how their stories are told? Reclaiming narrative authority strengthens children's agency and protects against further violation. Sor Juana's model shows that narrative power is intellectual power; those who control their stories control their identities and destinies. Children's rights frameworks must deliberately support children as authors of their own lives, ensuring their voices shape how their experiences are understood and shared.