Grounds to Play

What is 'good' for children? Should children learn or play? The answers to these questions vary depending on where the questions are asked. Focusing on a Danish company producing playgrounds the study reflects the relationship between culture and consumption, and outlines culture-specific perceptions of childhood and ideals for the upbringing of children in France, Germany and the Netherlands. These ideals are examined through an interdisciplinary analysis of family patterns, school systems and advertisements for products for children. Starting with a brief examination of the spare-time activities of 6 to 12 year-old children, the author outlines the adults' view on what is 'good' for children during their spare time. This study aims to demonstrate what ideals for upbringing are characteristic of three European societies. It will be of special interest to practitioners, scholars and students working with children in a cross-cultural perspective.

Autorentext

The Author: Malene Gram is currently assistant professor at the Institute for History, International and Social Studies at Aalborg University in Denmark. She holds a Master degree in French and International Studies and a Ph.D. degree on childhood and culture in Europe. This book is an edited version of her Ph.D.-dissertation.

Inhalt

Contents: Marketing across cultures - Cross-cultural comparisons - Qualitative method - Culture and consumption - Play and playgrounds - What is 'good' for children? - What's in a good upbringing?