Play Culture in a Changing World

At a time of rapid change in post-industrial societies, this book helps readers to re-evaluate the contribution of play in childhood. Adults need to understand that children have their own play culture, which might be different from the play culture of their own childhoods. The cultural context in which children grow up has a powerful influence on the way that children develop their play. The themes in childhood play are changing, and reflect the issues and experiences of children in modern-day life. Domestic play reflects takeaway meals and fast food, divorce and changing gender roles; and these are explored in the book. Play Culture helps practitioners to reflect on the way they encourage children to play by understanding and valuing their play culture.