Fashioning the Citizen Curriculum: A creative practice investigation into sustainable fashion education to promote engagement in responsible consumption and global citizenship.
Helen O’Sullivan · 2023
While sustainability is central to many curriculums at Key Stage 4 (England and Wales, United Kingdom), there is no requirement to include this at KS3 design or below, resulting in most young people lacking the understanding of the impact clothes have. This research is a creative investigation into sustainability-focused fashion education with primary-aged children. The aim is to investigate the role of early education in promoting responsible consumption/citizenship. The longitudinal qualitative research involves monthly workshops with groups from varying demographics. The research investigates global production, exploring both the environmental and social inequality along the fashion supply chain, taking the participants on an imaginary and immersive journey. The transfer of knowledge is undertaken through animated cartoons, which cover the impacts, but also offer positive creative solutions undertaken during the sessions. It is anticipated the research will facilitate an understanding of clothing impacts, to help them become responsible global citizens of the future.