Mother and child constructions of risk in outdoor play

Allin, Linda, West, Amanda and Curry, Stephanie (2014) Mother and child constructions of risk in outdoor play. Leisure Studies, 33 (6). pp. 1-14. ISSN 0261-4367

[img] Microsoft Word (Full text AAM)
MothersRiskPlay14.docx - Accepted Version

Download (59kB)
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2013.841746

Abstract

Managing the risks to which children are exposed in contemporary Britain is complex, requiring parents to balance opportunities for a child’s development with an appropriate concern for the potential consequences. Managing risk is particularly an issue for mothers, who, despite societal changes, tend to retain overall responsibility for the care of children. This paper explores the meanings mothers attach to risk and how this influences their children’s outdoor play. It also extends the scope of much existing literature by including children’s own perspectives on risk in outdoor play. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 12 mothers who had children aged between 9 and 11 years old who attended a north-east school. Two focus groups were also held, each with six of the children. Findings are analysed in relation to mother and child constructions of risk; mothers and children as risk managers; and negotiating mothering choices. The paper pays particular attention to the way in which mothers’ decisions were framed within risk cultures and dominant views of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ mothering.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Published online 2-1-2014 before print.
Uncontrolled Keywords: sociology, mothers, risk, outdoor, play
Subjects: L300 Sociology
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Depositing User: Dr Linda Allin
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2014 15:59
Last Modified: 12 Oct 2019 16:26
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/15171

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics