Freedomain Radio

I was just reading this series of excellent articles by Peter Grey over at Psychology Today, and it struck me that what he's really describing when he contrasts formal play with informal play is the difference between statism and anarchy. In formal play, the rules and management of the game are all predetermined by adults, they are non-negotiable, and the emphasis is on winning at all costs. Opposing teams are seen as permanent enemies, and creativity and empathy are highly discouraged. In informal play however, children create and manage the games themselves. The emphasis is on co-operation and fun, and the person who is not on your team now may switch sides even before the game is up. It encourages independence, self-government, and the knowledge that rules are arbitrary and are subject to change to fit changing circumstances. It really is just another example of the obviousness of anarchy.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/200912/the-morally-questionable-lessons-formal-sports-i-new-look-the-classic-robb

I love what Peter Grey has to say and I'm happy to see him published by a mainstream publication like Psychology Today. I saw him speak last year at an unschooling conference, and he'll be back again this year, as well. Anyone interested in unschooling and raising children would likely appreciate his work.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn

I would say that what is called "formal play" is not really play at all. Isn't it part of the definition of "play" that it be informal? By formal, I mean "managed or directed from the outside" and informal, I mean "self-directed," which (as you say) is another way of saying "statism" versus "anarchy."

Cheryl