Politics in the Playground (Revised Ed)

Discover a comprehensive exploration of early childhood education and care in Aotearoa New Zealand with the newly revised edition of Politics in the Playground. Authored by Helen May and published by Otago University Press, this compelling paperback delves into the rich history spanning from the postwar era to contemporary developments under Jacinda Ardern's Labour coalition government. This third edition not only updates the previous narratives found in Discovery of Early Childhood but also engages with the social movements that have shaped the experiences of young children in New Zealand.

Spanning 414 pages with dimensions of 150 x 210 x 20 mm, the book unpacks critical themes such as the evolution of early childhood education, the impact of feminism, and the role of the state amidst changing societal dynamics. The narrative reflects a shift in the language and priorities surrounding young children's rights and welfare, exploring the transition from the emphasis on social progress in the mid-20th century to the complexities of modern discourse surrounding vulnerable children.

Politics in the Playground is an essential read for parents, educators, policymakers, and students alike, offering valuable insights into the past, present, and future of early childhood education. Gain an understanding of how historical contexts and social movements have influenced educational policies and practices, making it a crucial resource for anyone interested in the development of young children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Author: Helen May Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 210 x 20 mm
Pages: 414
Publication Date: 01-12-2019

Freshly updated in 2019, the third edition of Politics in the Playground: The world of early childhood in Aotearoa New Zealand is a lively history of early childhood education and care in Aotearoa New Zealand in the postwar era. The book follows on from Discovery of Early Childhood (1997, 2013), which traced the origins of institutional care and education for young children in Europe, US and New Zealand prior to state interest and serious investment. This latest edition brings the story right up to date with developments under the Labour coalition government of Jacinda Ardern. The place of children in New Zealand’s social history makes this book a remarkable record of social movements. The postwar search for security, the radicalism of the 1960s and 1970s, the rise of feminism, the role of the state in social issues, increasing employment of women - all have impacted on early childhood education. The language of the debate has shifted from ‘social progress’ in mid-century, to the economic terminology of the 1990s, some cautious consideration of the young child citizen in the 2000s, followed by the rhetoric of ‘risk’, the ‘vulnerable child’ and a new story in this revised edition covering the 2010s. This is an account of critical issues for young children that will interest parents, policy-makers, teachers and students.