ABSTRACT
Views of the relationship between physical education and what can broadly be termed citizenship education have been passionate and frequently opposing. The debate, which can be traced back to the very beginnings of educational philosophy, cuts to the heart of the subject. On the one side are those for whom organized physical activities represent ideal opportunities for young people to learn of success and failure, of overcoming obstacles, of restraining one's own selfish desires for the good of the team. On the other are those who complain that a great deal of the content of physical education enshrines a competitive, antagonistic structure in which players attempt to defeat and show their superiority over others, values that it is no longer appropriate to instil in our young. The chapter examines the contribution that physical education can make to the values and citizenship agenda. Objectives
By the end of this chapter you should:
understand some historical aspects of the values and citizenship debate in physical education;
be familiar with recent guidance on citizenship education;
be familiar with some approaches to delivering values and citizenship education through physical education.
