The Economics of Boredom: Risk-Averse Playgrounds and Indoor Play

• In Event: Playtime Politics: The Rapidly Growing Mismatch Between Biology and Culture

Abstract

In recent times, childhood playground technology has become subject to increasingly higher legalized safety standards. Coinciding with these increased safety concerns we also have declining childhood interest in collective outdoor play. As the costs associated with purchasing and installing these risk-free playgrounds increase, the number of children that utilize these playgrounds has decreased. This paper will attempt to explain how/why the number of playgrounds has increased, despite declining childhood interest and the increase in interest in stationary indoor play.

Author

• Charles Kroncke, Mount St. Joseph University