Research group Network for Research on Young Children and Public Space
The research network has an interdisciplinary and international focus on exploring the relationships between young children and surrounding public spaces. It includes researchers from childhood and youth studies, preschool didactics, pedagogy, educational science, environmental psychology, landscape architecture, and cultural geography.
The network was founded by Danielle Ekman Ladru at the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Stockholm University in 2024. It was initiated in response to a growing interest among Swedish researchers in topics concerning young children in society, early childhood institutions and public spaces.
A public space is an environment open to the public, and the network started from an interest in questions about young children's participation and agency in public spaces/spheres, as well as the role of childhood institutions and other actors centred around young children in enabling children’s engagement in public spaces and realms. This network addresses the need to share research work, thoughts, and ideas.
The network’s purpose is to serve as a platform for discussing texts, co-authoring academic publications, and applying for research funding.
All researchers studying young children and public spaces at Swedish and international institutions are welcome to join.
Contact
You can join the network by sending an e-mail to: danielle.ekman.ladru@buv.su.se
Group description
The network is currently led by Christine Eriksson and Danielle Ekman Ladru (both at Stockholm University), and Teresa Elkin Postila (at Mid Sweden University).
The network meets twice per semester, with one or more researchers presenting their projects, publications, or other ideas at each meeting. These are followed by group discussions on research applications, joint writing efforts, conferences, or various types of publications.
You can find individual researchers' publications on their respective university profile pages.
Group members
Annika Manni, Umeå University
Christina Ergler, University of Otago, New Zealand.
Christine Eriksson, Stockholm University
Danielle Ekman Ladru, Stockholm University
Fredrika Mårtensson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Jessica Samsioe, Stockholm University
Johanna Annerbäck, Linköping University
Karin Litsner, Uppsala University
Katarina Gustafson, Uppsala University
Klara Dolk, Stockholm University
Natalie Davet, University of Gothenburg
Olga Anatoli Smith, Linköping University
Tarna Kannisto, University of Helsinki
Teresa Elkin Postila, Mid Sweden University
Group members
Group managers
Danielle Ekman Ladru
Universitetslektor
Christine Eriksson
Universitetslektor
