ChildhoodNature Theoretical Disruptions

• In Event: Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: ChildhoodNature Public Scholarship: Disrupting Theory, Methodology, Relationships, and Pedagogies

Abstract

In setting out on an uncertain and tenuous adventure into the future, theories are needed which can help humans effectively respond to the rapidly changing conditions of everyday life on earth. This is particularly the case in the emerging field of ChildhoodNature studies, as children themselves will be forced to grapple with existential threats associated with the onset of the Anthropocene era, including climate change, social instability and water crises, among many others. The purpose of this opening presentation is not to put diverse theoretical perspectives into competition, but rather to assemble theories as tools which can produce sparks when knocked together. These are theories that you can pack up and take for a walk; theories that can help get you out of sticky situations; and theories which children themselves can use to address the crises which they will inevitably inherit. As such, this presentation seeks to put multiple philosophical perspectives into consequential relation such that they can become productive in their differences (Cronon, 1996; Latour, 2004, 2005, 2013; Taylor, 2013). This endeavour asks us to take stock of theories which have been productive in the field to this point, and also to seek new theories which are emerging in direct response to the contemporary moment.

We invite a variety of theoretical responses which open out onto the landscapes of ChildhoodNature both together and differently. Potential guiding theory can include but is not limited to: cultural-historicall theory, post-structuralism, post-humanism, systems thinking, post-colonial theory, eco existentialism and eco-psychology.

Authors

• Karen Malone, University of Western Sydney

• Amy N. Cutter-Mackenzie, Southern Cross University

• Elisabeth Barratt Hacking, University of Bath

• Robert Barratt, University of Gloucestershire

• David Rousell, Southern Cross University