The Professionalization of Action Sports: The Changing Roles of Athletes, Industry and Media

Action sports have grown significantly in recent decades, leading to their professionalization. This book explores the social, political, economic, and organizational dynamics of this process, including the inclusion of surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, and BMX freestyle in the Tokyo Olympic Games. It also examines the working lives of action sports athletes, their social media practices, and the commercial pressure from sponsors. The book reveals how different action sports are at various stages of professionalization, with local, national, and international responses and reactions varying.

Format: Hardback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Over the past few decades, action sports have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, commercialization, and institutionalization. This comprehensive book delves into the intricate social, political, economic, and organizational dynamics that have shaped the professionalization of these thrilling activities.

After providing a brief overview of the significant transformations underway in the action sports realm, the contributors offer fresh perspectives on the evolving structures within the industry and their profound effects on athletes, coaches, agents, and broader cultural contexts. Notably, the inclusion of surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, and BMX freestyle in the Tokyo Olympic Games has brought these trends to the forefront.

The book delves into the daily lives of action sports athletes, specifically examining their social media practices and the mounting commercial pressures emanating from sponsors. It also provides valuable insights into the institutionalization and professionalization of action sports amidst ongoing processes of globalization, commodification, and incorporation.

Overall, this book sheds light on the diverse stages of professionalization across different action sports and across nations, highlighting the varying local, national, and international responses and reactions to these trends. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Sport in Society.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032204031