Nature as a gender neutral space : Preschool photographs framing a Swedish natureculture identity

• The image of Swedishness connects to ideals of gender equality and closeness to nature. In this article, 320 outdoor photographs, from four Swedish preschools, with diverse ethnic composition, are analysed to identify how the ideals are activated. The results reveal a display of a Swedish natureculture identity, more clearly expressed in multi-ethnic preschool classes. The natureculture identity seems to be neutral in relation to both ethnicity and gender, whereas children are hard to identify in the photographs. At a first glance, these displays of children might be interpreted as diversity is made invisible. At a second glance, though, it is possible to interpret neutrality as active equality work. The Swedish natureculture identity seems to be caring and sensitive, and thereby raising feminine values as desirable for everyone. The displayed neutrality also sheds light on ways of making all activities possible to participate in, regardless of gender and ethnicity.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Genusstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Gender Studies (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Utbildningsvetenskap -- Pedagogik (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Educational Sciences -- Pedagogy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

gender neutrality

natureculture

outdoor education

preschool

Swedishness

Genusvetenskap

Gender Studies

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)