Mapping the Field: What Are Values and Values Education About?

Abstract

Drawing on previous international research and a Nordic research project, this chapter focuses on the theoretical and conceptual approaches to values education in early childhood education contexts. The aim is twofold: to map the research field of values education as a background for the studies presented in this volume and to extract from the Nordic project some core elements of importance for values and values education in early childhood education. Values education appears to be a multifaceted concept with different understandings. We suggest a broad and pluralistic way of addressing values education in the early years of education and care. This chapter contributes to the conceptualization of values education and educators’ professional language.