CaPLAYtalism: Capitalism's Insidious Influence on Play in Schools
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Authors
Demick, Mac A.
Demick, Amaya
Issue Date
2024-05-01
Type
thesis_campus
Language
Keywords
Inequity in Children's Play , Capitalism , Children's Education , Student Autonomy , The Teacher's Role in Play , Lifelong Play , Art Education
Curriculum and Instruction
Disability and Equity in Education
Early Childhood Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development
Alternative Title
Art of Teaching Thesis - Written
Abstract
This thesis puts quantitative and qualitative research into conversation with personal observations of children in diverse classroom settings, revealing how the right to play (or the lack thereof) intentionally silos students into roles of “leaders” and “workers”. Our educational system was built upon the foundation of capitalism and capitalistic values through the intentional decisions made by the wealthiest men in America (for example, John D. Rockefeller). One way that these values have come through in our schools has been through the routine revocation of children’s play and autonomy. Play is systematically excluded from classrooms of all ages and disproportionately impacts children from marginalized communities, with black and brown children exposed to the least amount of play. On the other hand, students in higher-income schools have higher levels of access to their right to play, to make decisions for themselves, and the knowledge of how to become leaders. The lack of play not only acts as a detriment to children, but also negatively impacts the teachers and administrators. Play and capitalism are inherently intertwined; To actively play is to perform an act of anti-capitalism, and upon doing so, everyone will be free.