How Might Dance Support Children’s Civic Agency? A Capabilities-Approach Informed Review of Relevant Literature (Poster 42)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: Democratic Citizenship in Education: Varying Topics

Abstract

This literature review, filtered through a capabilities approach lens, explores the question, “How might dance education support young citizen’s developing civic capacities including their civic agency?” Civic agency is defined as having regular opportunities to influence that which occurs in one’s environment(s). The author argues that civic agency can expand one’s civic capabilities which in turn, supports the making of informed choices and leading a fulfilling life. Together, the systematically selected and reviewed pieces (N=13) suggest that intentional dance experiences can nurture children’s capacities to think carefully about, advocate for, and make informed decisions in the interests of themselves and others. Promising dance approaches and strategies are discussed, and areas ripe for additional research are identified.

Author

• Joy Dangora Erickson, Endicott College