An ecology of practices – the hydrosocial cycle as a matter of concern in preschool children’s explorations

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate the local ecology of practices in joint engagements with the hydrosocial cycle by preschool children, water specialists, and a researcher, in a Swedish urbanised coastal area. In particular, the article investigates the potential of Isabelle Stengers’ plea for creative meetings, knowledge exchanges and collaborations to produce relational practices between different parts of society, practices and disciplines. This local ecology of practices was investigated in a posthumanist intervention research project that was theoretically and methodologically informed by Stengers, Donna Haraway and Anna L. Tsing. In three stories constructed by the preschool children’s and the researcher’s collectively produced data – digital films and photographs, notes and drawings – attention is drawn to the hydrosocial, hierarchies and values in a local ecology of practices. The stories emphasise the contemporary and significant topic of water and wastewater in everyday preschool practices and activities and the processes through which water and society make and remake each other. In conclusion, the article suggests that the creation of relational practices and collaborations between different parts of society could make other questions possible and alternative methods conceivable.