The Power of Belonging: Interactions and Values in Children’s Group Play in Early Childhood Programs

Abstract This article explores belonging as social interaction in relation to power and values. Power has both positive negative aspects. We view children active agents with the include or exclude others, create space for each other set boundaries. The shows how children’s powers are limited by education staff’s structural discusses ethical pedagogical implications of use power. find that well-considered may widen horizons provide them opportunities they would otherwise miss. data consist video observation interviews teachers three Early Childhood Education Care settings Norway. uses a lifeworld hermeneutical approach study complex sometimes ambiguous phenomenon. possibilities position themselves belong made possible their group via relational By becoming aware these contradictory tendencies, can variety experiences promote belonging, which requires knowledge groups formed dynamic relations condition different experiences.