Theorizing a child–dog encounter in the slums of La Paz using post-humanistic approaches in order to disrupt universalisms in current ‘child in nature’ debates

Abstract

This paper theorizes children's interspecies relation with dogs in La Paz Bolivia utilizing post-humanism and new materialism as its approach. This approach allows for the deconstructing of human–nature binaries found in discourses central to the children in nature movement. Questioning the universalizing of children's experience in nature the paper considers three propositions. Firstly, what if children were viewed as nature rather than outside of it. Secondly, can the objects or ‘things’ of nature be viewed as animated. And finally, how sensitive is the contemporary imperative to reconnect children to a romanticized more natured life, to children's diverse worldly experiences. I explore these propositions drawing on a study where I have adopted a materialist ontology and theorized using the work of [Barad, Karen. 2007. Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning. Durham, NC: Duke University Press] and her concept of intra-action as adopted by Rautio [2013a. “Children Who Carry Stones in Their Pockets: On Autotelic Material Practices in Everyday Life.” Children's Geographies 11 (4): 394–408]. Based on my child–dog interspecies exploration, I will conclude by re-addressing the three propositions.

Keywords:

• child–nature
• child–animals studies
• nature education
• post-humanism new materialism
• nature education
• intra-action

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the children of La Paz for their ongoing commitment to my research and willingness to revisit these ideas of child–dog encounters over a two-year period. I would also like to thank a number of supportive colleagues who provided opportunities to unpack and question my new theoretical meanderings and finally, the extensive support of the reviewers and editorial team from Children's Geographies, who provided invaluable feedback that challenged and extended my theoretical ideas.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Biophilia is a term used to describe an instinctive bond said to exist between human beings and other living systems. Edward O. Wilson introduced the term in his book, Biophilia (1984). He defined biophilia as the urge to affiliate with other forms of life.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by an internal travel fund in 2012 by UNICEF Bolivia and University of Western Sydney Academic Development Program funding and travel grant in 2014.