The Politics of Play

In this course we will look at historical and cultural constructions of play in anthropology, psychology, anarchist theory, the “new sociologies of childhood” and the UK-based field of playwork. We will investigate systems of power and control which act upon children’s time, space and behavior, and play’s intersection with issues of gender, race, class and neurodiversity. Through readings, written work and practical assignments, we will establish a rich understanding of play to explore and move beyond conventional fixed equipment playgrounds to critically examine material and social environments which children and adults create for themselves. (This course counts as an elective towards the SOAN major)