A Curriculum in the Gravel: Social Divisions on the Football Pitch at School

Abstract

The football pitch is a frequent element in (connection to) Swedish schools and schoolyards. This particular place is often appropriated by children (junior- and intermediate-level pupils) during recesses, and in the abscence of adults. Informed by the new sociology of childhood (foremost William Corsaro and Jens Qvortrup), I conduct ethnographic case studies, in three schools in Malmö, to describe children’s interaction on the pitch during school-day and primarily during recesses. The aim of the study is to discuss the inclusion, exclusion, social divisions and power relations stemming from the peer culture activities on the pitch.