EmelineB reviewed Radical Play by Rob Goldberg
Review of 'Radical Play' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
The book describes several case studies of the toy industry implementing changes in response to, and along with, radical movements of the 1960s and 1970s (peace activists, anti-racists, feminists). Across these cases, it outlines how play was remade into a "serious business" for children, something for parents to support well, and shines light on the changing conception of child development in this period (and beyond).
I would have loved to see more of a contemporary contextualisation, but this was a great and very informative read. I'd recommend it to designers, childhood researchers and those interested in social change movements.
The book describes several case studies of the toy industry implementing changes in response to, and along with, radical movements of the 1960s and 1970s (peace activists, anti-racists, feminists). Across these cases, it outlines how play was remade into a "serious business" for children, something for parents to support well, and shines light on the changing conception of child development in this period (and beyond).
I would have loved to see more of a contemporary contextualisation, but this was a great and very informative read. I'd recommend it to designers, childhood researchers and those interested in social change movements.