Rethinking superhero and weapon play

Preface Acknolwedgements Introduction Part One: Arguments held against war, weapon and superhero play - and some responses The argument that war and weapon play almost automatically leads to increased aggression and violence The argument that superheroes equate to the normalization or glorification of violence The argument that superheroes offer up negative, stereotypical and destructive role-models of masculinity and femininity Part Two: Rethinking superhero and conflict play Theoretical understandings of children's moral development From 'rough-and-tumble' play to superhero and conflict play Superhero and conflict play and the development of co-operation, empathy and sense of community Superhero and conflict play and children's sense of self and self-worth The moral themes that lie behind superhero and conflict play Part Three: Exploring superhero narratives Superman: the god-like being Batman: darkness within the Dark Knight The X-Men: The rejected group Conclusion: The merit of superheroes and superhero play References Index