Among the most characteristic and enigmatic features of human life is the phenomenon of
play. Play seems to be hardwired in our being from both culture and biology, and a necessary
part of a good life. As a phenomenon that goes beyond the nature-culture divide, play is not
only part of who we are, but also interwoven with historical, social, cultural, material,
technological and political changes. Hence play is an educational matter.
A central problem in the 21st century is that the role of play in human life is poorly
understood and its place in our collective and historical consciousness is changing. The rapid
change in both the normative status of play calls for a better understanding of play and its
place in human life.
Play is also developing into new forms. In other words, play is an interdisciplinary, complicated
field of research. Due to the need to understand play under continuously changing societal
conditions, the network aims to unite researchers interested in play and playfulness in all relevant
educational contexts. The network welcomes a broad range of scientific genres, as well as
different philosophical, methodological, and empirical orientations. What serves as a unifying
point is exploring play and its role in both society and institutional settings.
The network have a TEAMS site where we exchange information, arrange webinars and share knowledge.
If you want to participate, please contact Kristine Hultberg Ingridz kristine.hultberg-ingridz@mau.se
Submit abstracts to NERA 2027!
Network 26, Play in Education, will have its first panels at NERA Tromsø 2027.
Welcome to submit your abstract. Deadline: 3rd November. Follow this link to submit abstracts: