Tensioned soil

Thematic literature review about physical education in an era of anthropocene

Authors

• Anna Kristiina Kokko Itä-Suomen yliopisto
• Annu Kaivosaari Itä-Suomen yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.131107

Keywords:

physical education, anthropocene, literature review, thematic analysis

Abstract

Climate change and the loss of biodiversity have become significant topics of discussion, combining different fields of research. One key question that has united researchers has been the Anthropocene and its potential in defusing the climate crisis. In this thematic literature review, we start from the premise that environmental education in formal educational institutions requires attention to be turned to the epistemological foundations of the subjects, in this case physical education. Through the integration of individual research results, our goal is to achieve a deeper understanding of the connection between physical education and its origins with some of the questions of the Anthropocene. The data selection process was carried out using the PRISMA protocol. We explored four tensions that intertwined different perspectives and theories of environmental education, geopolitical, historical, and cultural flows in states, and physical education that takes shape through local actors. Some of the tensions became static and some stimulated new life. Through the examination, it is possible to better understand the functioning of formal physical education and its connections to an era of Anthropocene and to point out possible future research directions.