ABSTRACT
This introduction provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerns contestation surrounding physical education as part of contemporary schooling. It analyses the changes in professionalism that might be ahead due to contrasting ideas on how the governance of physical education relates to the political economy of education. The book reviews specifically whether opposing traditions of physical education can ever be reconciled, and of whether in any event this would be helpful or not. Historically, physical education's concerns aims and values have predominantly been an internal matter, of interest primarily to those teaching physical education. The book presents an historical and contemporary-informed overview of the varied ways in which physical education can plausibly be conceptualised and supported. It considers reviews how physical educators have begun to question long-term connections with behaviourist practices, preferring instead to consider how postmodern thinking and constructivist learning perspectives could better inform physical education futures.
