Sport

Richard Giulianotti is Professor of Sociology at Loughborough University, UK, and Professor II at Telemark University College, Norway

"Richard Giulianotti is one of the world’s leading sport sociologists. In this new edition he once again proves that he is not only a very accomplished expert in the field but also a brilliant writer. The book provides an insightful overview of important sociological theories and their application to relevant phenomena of modern sport. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in sport and cultural studies or social scientific studies of sports."Ansgar Thiel, University of Tübingen, Germany"Rigorous and clearly organized, this second edition stands out among the many introductory texts to sport sociology. Giulianotti’s critical sociological perspective is embedded in a solid discussion of social theory and pays close attention to the multiple meanings that individuals’ everyday actions bring to sport. The book inspires much-needed critical reflection on power inequalities in sport while exploring alternative forms of sporting practice. It is an essential text for any reader interested in understanding the complexities of contemporary sport."Pirkko Markula, University of Alberta, Canada

• AcknowledgementsAbbreviationsPrologue1. Functionalist Theories of Sport: Constructing Social Orders, Solidarities and Systems2. Weberian and Microsociological Approaches to Sport: Interpreting Meanings, Identities and Rationalization3. Marxist and Neo-Marxist Theories of Sport: Challenging Capitalism, Alienation and Class Conflict4. Cultural Studies Approaches to Sport: Contesting Domination and Celebrating Resistance5. ‘Race’ and Ethnicity in Sport: Competing against Racism and Intolerance6. Gender and Sexuality in Sport: Playing Against Patriarchy7. The Body in Sport: Embodying Discipline, Experience and Risk8. Sporting Places and Spaces: Fields of Affection, Commerce and Fantasy9. Elias on Sport: Figurations, Civilization and Interdependence10. Bourdieu on Sport: Domination, Distinction and the Public Intellectual11. Postmodern Sport: Fragmentation, Consumption and Hyperreality12. Globalization and Sport: Political Economy, Cultural Creativity and Social DevelopmentEpilogue: Towards A Critical Sociology of Sport