play and civic engagement

Young people are part of the political landscape simply by their presence. Media reports amplify children engaged in overtly political acts – marches, speeches, activist work, etc. Children are also used to forward political agendas – they are seen as the “future” we hope to protect. The research topic explores the body of work that views children as engaged citizens rather than passive props for political gain. Through playful activities and everyday engagements with one another, research shows that children intervene in the social landscape through acts of play.