What children say about the public spaces where they play

Authors

  • Paula Sanders Pereira Pinto Universidade Salvador
  • Ilka Dias Bichara Universidade Federal da Bahia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v21i1.47242

Keywords:

children, public spaces, playing, citizenship

Abstract

Aiming at understanding how children make use of and appropriate the public spaces where
they play as well as their suggestions for such spaces, 28 seven-to-eleven-year-old children
dwelling in different districts in Salvador (Bahia, Brazil) were interviewed. Data were qualitatively
analyzed from the perspective of the cultural-historical psychology and the sociology of
childhood. Children were found to play in areas both designed and not designed for them,
although they predominantly played near their households. Creative use of play spaces and
equipment was observed, thereby showing the children’s appropriation. Participants suggested
improving public safety and adding play areas. This study evidences the need to know childhood
demands from the children’s own viewpoint, thus fostering citizenship.

Author Biographies

Paula Sanders Pereira Pinto, Universidade Salvador

Escola de Saúde. Curso de Psicologia

Ilka Dias Bichara, Universidade Federal da Bahia

Instituto de Psicologia

Published

2017-07-11

How to Cite

Pinto, P. S. P., & Bichara, I. D. (2017). What children say about the public spaces where they play. Interação Em Psicologia, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v21i1.47242

Issue

Section

Research Reports