Copyright

Beresin, Anna;

Published On

2023-06-01

Page Range

pp. 371–394

Language

  • English

Print Length

24 pages

Keywords

  • Micro Analysis
  • Online Playdate
  • Families
  • Children
  • Lockdown
  • Philadelphia
  • Pennsylvania
  • Playful Coping Strategies
  • Classic Motifs
  • Playground Lore
  • Cultural Sophistication
  • Subtle Negotiation
  • Folklore Study
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Playful Trickster

17. Techno-Mischief

Negotiating Exaggeration Online in Quarantine

  • Anna Beresin (author)
Here we have a micro analysis of a recorded online playdate between two families with children who live across the street from each other, during lockdown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The playdate appears chaotic but upon detailed examination reflects many classic motifs in children’s playground lore, revealing cultural sophistication and subtle negotiation. The chapter utilizes tools of folklore study and sociolinguistics, and connects to the literature on the playful trickster.

Contributors

Anna Beresin

(author)
Professor of Psychology and Folklore at University of the Arts

Anna Beresin, PhD, serves as professor of psychology and folklore at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She co-edits the International Journal of Play and studies children’s folklore, primate physical play, language play and the connections between play, culture and art. Her books include The Character of Play (2019), The Art of Play: Recess and the Practice of Invention (2014), and Recess Battles: Playing, Fighting, and Storytelling (2010). She co-authored Group Motion in Practice: Collective Creation through Dance Movement Improvisation with Brigitta Herrmann, Manfred Fischbeck, and Elia Sinaico (2018). Visit her at www.annaberesin.com.