Examining Hong Kong children's relations with objects

This lecture will draw on qualitative ethnographic research that was undertaken in four Hong Kong preschools (one was Montessori School) in order to examine young children’s relations with objects. A poststructuralist theoretical framework (Foucault, 1977) is initially used in order to examine how objects are used in the rational endeavour of development and progress. The lecture will then incorporate actor network theory (Law, 1999; Latour, 1990; 1999) where as a consequence supplementary conceptual space is made where we can further appreciate the movements between objects, identity of child, Western orientated early years’ pedagogies, Chinese culture, affect and children’s learning. The lecture goes on to suggest that we should take careful note of such movements because they carry important lessons in terms of children’s learning.