Childhood studies has developed from a marginal topic into a diverse, established field characterized by interdisciplinarity and theoretical creativity. In Finland, childhood studies has advanced especially within early childhood education, psychology, sociology, and cultural studies. For example, the 2023 publication A Guidebook to Researching the History of Childhood (Matkaopas lapsuuden historian tutkimukseen) showcases the methodological diversity of the field and examines childhood in the past from the perspectives of various disciplines.

Within childhood studies, play studies can be distinguished as a field that focuses not only on children but on play across all ages. In Finland, play studies spans multiple areas beyond childhood research, including cultural studies, education, as well as digital gaming and digital play. Toy research likewise addresses many subfields, such as play culture, the material history of toys, toy safety, the effects of toys on children’s development, and their cultural and societal significance.

Below, you can browse Finnish organizations and individual researchers focusing on play and childhood studies. These pages are continually updated. If you would like your project, organization, or research to be included, please contact info@museoleikki.fi