Abstract
Drawing on existing research and literature with an analysis and discussion of two case studies, this chapter investigates the complexity involved between young children’s agency in constructing their identities and the role of popular culture mediated via superheroes/superheroines scenarios in children’s lives. Children in the case studies in this chapter took an active role in participating popular culture themed conversations and play scenarios, which narrates and reflects the fluidity of their identities in the imaginary and real life contexts. This seeks to counterpart arguments about the passivity of children in encountering popular culture, to challenge assumptions and stereotypes associated with the role of popular culture in children’s lives, and to highlight the importance of children’s active participation and crucial role in contributing to the social cultural activities towards the construction and development of their identities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Young Children's Identities |
| Subtitle of host publication | A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective |
| Editors | Fengling Tang, Sofia Guimaraes, Clara Rubiano |
| Place of Publication | London and New York |
| Publisher | Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group |
| Chapter | 5 |
| Pages | 71-84 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-003-01809-4 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-0-367-86273-2 |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Jan 2025 |