The Palgrave Handbook of Sport, Politics and Harm

This book explores the historical impact of sport on society, considering issues such as social class, gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality, political ideology, health, wellbeing, childhood, animal rights, and popular culture. It examines various sports, including ancient, pre- and early industrial sports, American football, boxing, wrestling, mountaineering, horseracing, cycling, motor racing, rugby football, cricket, association football, baseball, basketball, Crossfit, ice hockey, Olympic sports, Mixed Martial Arts, and sport in an imagined dystopian future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 629 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the historical context of the harm inflicted within the realm of sport, exploring the various issues, debates, and controversies that have emerged as a consequence. Comprising the expertise of historians, sociologists, sport journalists, and public health experts, the book examines the intricate relationship between sport and injury, considering its impact on social class, gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality, political ideology, national identity, health and wellbeing, childhood, animal rights, and popular culture. These diverse topics are interconnected, forming a rich tapestry of connections across a wide range of sports, including ancient, pre- and early industrial sports, American football, boxing, wrestling, mountaineering, horseracing, cycling, motor racing, rugby football, cricket, association football, baseball, basketball, Crossfit, ice hockey, Olympic sports, Mixed Martial Arts, and sport in an imagined dystopian future.

The authors of this book have skillfully crafted a narrative that sheds light on the multifaceted consequences of sport, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of its influence. Through their insightful analysis, they challenge prevailing narratives and provide a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between sport, society, and individual experiences.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the relationship between sport and social class. The authors argue that sport has the potential to be a powerful tool for social mobility and equality, providing opportunities for individuals from marginalized backgrounds to excel and achieve success. However, they also acknowledge that sport can perpetuate social inequalities and reinforce existing power structures, particularly in cases where access to resources, facilities, and training is limited.

Gender is another critical aspect of the book's examination. The authors highlight the historical and ongoing discrimination faced by women and girls in sport, as well as the challenges they encounter in accessing equal opportunities and recognition. They argue that sport can be a vehicle for promoting gender equality and challenging gender stereotypes, but also note that it can perpetuate harmful norms and attitudes towards women and girls.

Ethnicity, race, and sexuality are also explored in depth, with the authors examining the ways in which these factors have shaped the experiences of athletes and the broader sporting community. They highlight the historical and ongoing struggles of marginalized groups to gain access to sport and to be represented in leadership positions. They also discuss the impact of sport on cultural identity and the ways in which it can contribute to social cohesion and diversity.

Political ideology and national identity are also examined in the book, with the authors exploring the ways in which sport can be used as a tool for promoting national pride and unity or as a source of division and conflict. They discuss the role of sport in shaping political ideologies and the ways in which it can influence public opinion and policy.

Health and wellbeing are another central theme of the book, with the authors emphasizing the positive and negative impacts of sport on physical and mental health. They discuss the risk of injury and the importance of injury prevention and management in sport. They also explore the role of sport in promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and mental well-being.

Childhood is another important area of focus, with the authors examining the ways in which sport can shape the development and growth of children and adolescents. They discuss the benefits of sport for children's physical and mental health, as well as the challenges of promoting sport in childhood settings.

Animal rights is another issue that is explored in the book, with the authors examining the ethical and moral implications of using animals in sport. They discuss the use of animals in training and competition, as well as the impact of sport on animal welfare and conservation.

Popular culture is also examined in the book, with the authors exploring the ways in which sport has been influenced and shaped by popular media, advertising, and consumerism. They discuss the commercialization of sport and the impact of this on athletes, fans, and the broader sporting community.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, sociology, and politics of sport. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the harm inflicted within the realm of sport, as well as the issues, debates, and controversies that have arisen as a result. Through their expert insights and thoughtful analysis, the authors challenge prevailing narratives and offer a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between sport, society, and individual experiences. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, athletes, coaches, and policymakers alike.

Weight: 1003g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030728281
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021