| dc.description.abstract | The thesis presented here is a (somewhat) multi-sited ethnographic exploration, this means I centered the analysis on children who practice Capoeira in Norway and Spain. The research gained in depth in the art thanks to visits made to Lisbon and Copenhagen. Through a qualitative analysis, based on a theoretical concepts from sociology of childhood and also from the philosophical-biological-sociological concept embodiment, this thesis contributes to the creation of knowledge in the field of childhood studies.
Throughout this study, childhood is understood as a social construction which is shaped and re-shaped by children who should be researched in their own rights. This study, considers thus children as competent social actors who have agency. Hence, children are observed as not determinate by historical or cultural processes, rather, they are considered as constructors and doers of their own lives. Capoeira, as a syncretic diasporic-transnational, originally Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestation, is observed as a leisure activity, a possibility to become a modern ritual to the children, a place for them to express themselves though body language. The practice is observed as embodied, this means, children take their practice within their bodies, and in time this can impact their habitus.
Children who train Capoeira start their practice invited by their parents, though they think the acrobatics and the martial arts kicks are "cool" and have generally a good times practicing diversity aspects the art offers them, however, they also dislike other and used their agency to achieve what they want to do. | nb_NO |
