My name is Jacquelyn Collins and my academic interest lies in gender and play: specifically, whether we provide equal access to public play and leisure spaces for girls and boys, and how we can improve the gender balance of play space use. My interest in this area developed as I completed a BUrbPlan(Hons) through the University of Auckland, which I began shortly after my twins’ first birthday. I graduated in May 2019 (my son and daughter are now six years old).

Through my dissertation research it became clear that very little work has been done to explore the gender balance of public play space use. However, since finishing my dissertation and talking to individuals and groups both online and offline about my research I’ve discovered that, although people may not have previously considered the ideas I’m sharing, this topic resonates with many people. It’s very encouraging to see others beginning to have their own conversations about gender and play, and I’m excited to see what we can all achieve.

Although the focus of my work is driven by a feminist perspective that seeks to ensure that girls gain equal access to public spaces, I fully acknowledge that many boys are not served well by the play spaces we provide, and as a mother of a son this is very important to me. I believe that any attempts to broaden the scope of public play spaces will benefit all children.

This page is a space for me to share relevant thoughts and ideas, drawing both from my Honours dissertation research and subsequent articles and presentations, and from my upcoming Research Masters, beginning in the second half of 2019. If you would like any further information about my work please contact me via the Contact form. You can also follow me on Facebook. I look forward to sharing more details of what I have learned to date, and hearing your views. Thank you for your interest in my research!