THE SOCIAL DYNAMICS AT PLAY

Didatic practices in sociology with the Agency card game

Abstract

In this article we present and discuss a tool projected to aid educators in teaching sociology, especially the notion of sociological imagination: the “Agência” card game. The rules of the game are presented in order to introduce readers to its mechanics. We discuss how these rules represent different theoretical perspectives in sociology regarding the debate between agency and structure, among other elements, such as crises and insurgencies, aiming at showing how the game may or may not represent social reality (as it is seen from the point of view of several relevant theoretical frameworks). Finally, we present a report on the application of the game as a pedagogical tool in three 9^th year classes in Colégio de Aplicação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (CA-UFSC), in Florianópolis (SC), in 2018. We observe that, despite difficulties related to the time allotted to the game, it brought good results, considering it was possible to involve students in the conceptual discussions it brings forth, and to work with them in a qualified manner.