“Two against one”: An ethnography of foosball games during school break

Abstract

This ethnographic study investigates the dynamics of children's interactions during foosball matches at Vila do Boa school in Brazil's Federal District. Over the span of a year, participant observations and video recordings were conducted during school breaks. This paper focuses on a specific frame, “two against one”, featuring five children engaged in an intense foosball match. Using detailed transcriptions informed by conversation analysis, the Ethnography reveals the nuanced ways in which children navigate disputes and adapt rules, particularly when confronted with a significantly more skilled player. The analysis underscores the development of a unique lexicon among the children, highlighting how their language and interactions are integral to the game's dynamics and their broader socialization processes.