Soul raider - ethics, hermeneutics + video games – an exploratory study of how and why computer games are used in youth work contexts

Paget, Scott MacMillan (2014) Soul raider - ethics, hermeneutics + video games – an exploratory study of how and why computer games are used in youth work contexts. MTh(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study investigates the use of computer games within Scottish youth work. The researcher-viewing picture of a youth club triggered the study; within this image there were four computer game playing spaces. This study explores what this usage of computer games reveals about youth work and computer games. The study is theological in nature, applying ethics as a lens to both youth work and computer games, revealing the hermeneutics at work within the relationship. This is a small-scale research project utilising qualitative data from interviews with fifteen participants, drawn from within contemporary Scottish youth work practice. The study has three main questions; How do those active in the youth work task, define youth work within Scotland? How does Scottish youth work use computer games? What investigating the ethical and hermeneutical situations created by youth works use of computer games can reveal? The study found indications that youth work within Scotland is lacking confidence, is under supported and in need of additional resources in relation to computer games. Youth workers are using computer games as a youth work tool without the resources or time to critique and assess them fully. Despite this computer games can provide vital youth work functions around emotions, safety, behaviour and relationship building for youth worker and young person. Theology provides insight, language and tools for youth work and computer games to establish a solid base for their uncertain relationship. The study reveals that the relationship between youth work and computer games needs further consideration in order to illuminate how computer games can be used constructively for youth work purposes.

• Item Type: Thesis (MTh(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Youth work, computer games, theology, ethics, hermeneutics, play
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Gay, Dr. Douglas
• Date of Award: 2014
• Depositing User: Mr Scott M Paget
• Unique ID: glathesis:2014-6398
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 04 Jun 2015 10:46
• Last Modified: 27 Jun 2024 08:16
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/6398