Rethinking superhero and weapon play / by Steven Popper.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 157-163) and index.

pt. I. Arguments held against war, weapon and superhero play -- and some responses -- The argument that war and weapon play almost automatically leads to increased aggression and violence -- The argument that superheroes equate to the normalization or glorification of violence -- The argument that superheroes offer up negative, stereotypical and destructive role-models of masculinity and femininity -- pt. II. Rethinking superhero and conflict play -- Theoretical understandings of children's moral development -- From'rough-and-tumble' play to superhero and conflict play -- Superhero and conflict play and the development of co-operation, empathy and sense of community -- Superhero and conflict play and children's sense of self and self-worth -- The moral themes that lie behind superhero and conflict play -- pt. III. Exploring superhero narratives -- Superman : the god-like being -- Batman : darkness within the Dark Knight -- The X-Men : the rejected group -- Conclusion : The merit of superheroes and superhero play.