An Exploration of Cross-generational Childhood Outdoor Play Experiences in Chinese Communities, Taking Wuhan as an Example

Citizens' lifestyles have been changed by the transition of the physical environment and social structure in the context of rapid urbanization. In particular, there is a dramatic difference in children's outdoor play experiences compared to their parents' and grandparents' childhood times. In order to build safe, playful and sociable environments to promote children’s independent mobilities in their communities. This research was conducted in different types of communities in central Wuhan to understand these changes. A total of 1,688 questionnaires, 34 interviews, and 97 diaries were collected from 415 residential communities in central Wuhan, with a sample age range of 6 to 87 years.

Key findings are highlighted: 1) There are statistically significant differences in children's outdoor play behaviours across the three generations. The SPAT model has been developed to illustrate the intergenerational differences in play spaces, people, activities and time. 2) This study identified that the degree of parental control, the attributes of the physical environment and residents’ perception of the social environment in the communities had a significant impact on children's outdoor play. The study combined factor analysis and path analysis to develop an SEM model to explore the factors that influence children's outdoor play and the interaction between these factors. 3) Correlation and regression analyses were conducted on four selected communities with 116 recorded mappings to examine the relationship between the physical environment and children's outdoor activities by introducing the space syntax theory.

This research conducted a large number of statistical tests and combined them with qualitative research to discuss the children-environment-time-space relationship and their interactions. It provides a richness of findings to give suggestions for child-friendly implications. It also shows the differences in the demand for accessibility of green spaces by children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This research has led to a rethinking of rapid urbanization and children growing up in Chinese cities. Social justice for green space should be considered in future urban development to promote every child’s independent play in their communities.