Weaving conceptual, philosophical, and methodological threads amongst tapestries of privilege, power, and pedagogy

This chapter explores issues that provoked this research collection of ludic inquiries into power, pedagogy, and games. The authors note key works from existing bodies of literature, and how this book’s contributions extend previous works on these themes. Chapter 1 also elaborates terms and concepts including literal games and games of power, formal and public pedagogies, and ludic inquiry. Particularly influential approaches include finite games versus an infinite game, conceptualisations of games as a magic circle, and reclaiming games as spaces of transformation. A key point is that games are involved in maintaining systems of uneven power in white-western cultures. Critique of these games can help raise awareness of injustices and signal possibilities for ethical change.