Routledge Critical Pedagogies in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Health: An Introduction

Critical Pedagogies in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Health explores critical pedagogy – and critical work around the body, health and physical activity – within physical education. By examining the complex relationships between policies and practice, and how these are experienced by young people, it elucidates the need for critical pedagogy in contemporary times. With contributions from leading international experts in health and physical education, and underpinned by a critical, socio-cultural approach, the book examines how health and physical education are situated across various international contexts and the influence of policy and curriculum. It explores how health is constructed by students and teachers within these contexts as well as how wider spaces and places beyond formal schooling influence learning around the body, health and physical activity. Finally, it considers what progressive pedagogies might ‘look like’ within health and physical education. Chapters utilise empirical work within the field to explore various topics of relevance to critical pedagogy, drawing on theoretical insights while providing practical applications and concluding with reflection points to encourage readers to consider the relevance for their own contexts. Designed to support pedagogical study in a range of contexts, this book will be of particular interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students, teachers and researchers with an interest in physical education, physical activity and health and the role they play in young people’s lives. About the Author Julie Stirrup is a Lecturer in Sport Pedagogy and Physical Education at Loughborough University, UK. Julie is a former physical education teacher and currently works across undergraduate and teacher education programmes. Julie’s research explores physical education and its role within the curriculum and young people’s lives, with a specific focus on issues of equity and inclusion, social class and health discourse. Oliver Hooper is a Research and Teaching Associate at Loughborough University, UK. Oliver’s research explores young people’s experiences within physical education, health and youth sport contexts, with a specific focus on the experiences of marginalised youth. He is particularly interested in youth voice and the use of participatory methods to facilitate young people’s meaningful involvement in research.