Imaginative Play as a Life-Span, Cultural Activity

• In Event: Cultural Historical Research SIG Business Meeting

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present research that suggests that imaginative play is a life-span, cultural activity that benefits human beings’ learning and development. First, a definition of life-span imaginative play is proffered. Then, data from retrospective, life-span interviews with 16 second-generation adolescents and 16 second-generation adults of Mexican heritage are presented. Data include participants’ self-reported meanings, episodes, and developmental and educational consequences of their imaginative play. When appropriate and possible, comparisons are made between these data and data from similar studies on the imaginative play of European-American adults. Finally, the implications of life-span imaginative play in formal and informal learning environments are presented as are suggestions for further research.

Author

• Luke Perone, University of Washington - Tacoma