Introduction

Abstract

Critical Pedagogies in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Health was borne out of our desire to support students to engage with the critical pedagogy agenda. Critical pedagogy – and, more widely, critical work around the body, health and physical activity – has a long history within the subject of physical education (PE). Such work has been evident since at least the 1980s and has (arguably) had a consistent presence since. Acknowledging that critical pedagogy has been variously defined, we argue that, principally, critical pedagogy is concerned with interrogating, exposing and challenging the inequities and injustices evident within educational systems and societies. The chapters within this book utilise empirical work within the field to explore various topics of relevance to critical pedagogy, drawing on theoretical insights while providing practical applications. Recognising that young people's lives are increasingly shaped by precarity, we feel that the subject of (health and) PE has all the more reason to embrace its responsibility and to work towards fulfilling its potential in progressing the critical movement. While we acknowledge that this will be a challenging endeavour, we hope this edited book can go some way to contributing to this.