ABSTRACT

As one of Britain's most original thinkers and writers Colin Ward wrote extensively about positive and practical examples from the past and present of the anarchist spirit or the 'social principle' in everyday life. This volume is the first scholarly work dedicated to examining the significance of his distinctive and highly relevant contributions to the areas of education, children and the environment.

In each chapter, international contributors from academic and activist backgrounds offer cross-disciplinary and critical perspectives on Ward's work and its relevance to contemporary debates. The book is divided into four key areas:

  • The Sand Box of the City
  • Adventures in Education
  • Reflections on Practice
  • Mobilisations.

This book will appeal to academics and professionals interested in the condition of childhood and youth today. It will prove useful for postgraduates and professionals undertaking further professional development, and is relevant to anyone studying, researching or working in fields relating to children, education and the environment not just in the UK but beyond.

part I|53 pages

The sandbox of the city

chapter 1|16 pages

The city as instructor

Pedagogical avant-garde and urban literacy in Germany around World War I

chapter 2|14 pages

The city in the child

Colin Ward, urban becoming and the shift to experience

chapter 4|8 pages

On the street where you live

Colin Ward and environmental education

part II|56 pages

Adventures in education

chapter 5|15 pages

Education for participation

chapter 6|14 pages

‘A parable of the way things ought to be'

Colin Ward, the Peckham Health Centre and the de-schooling movement

chapter 7|13 pages

‘Bringing freedom to education'

Colin Ward, Alex Bloom and the possibility of radical democratic schools

part III|62 pages

Reflections on practice

chapter 9|10 pages

Playwork

The anarchy wing of sociology

chapter 11|18 pages

Design for urban play as an anarchist parable

Transatlantic reflections

chapter 12|16 pages

The photograph as ‘witness'

part IV|48 pages

Mobilisations

chapter 13|11 pages

Inciting desire, ignoring boundaries and making space

Colin Ward's considerable contribution to radical pedagogy, planning and social change

chapter 15|11 pages

Play as protest

Clandestine moments of disturbance and hope