Understanding Lifestyle Sport: Consumption, Identity and Difference (Routledge Critical Studies in Sport)

The past decade has seen a tremendous growth in the popularity of activities like skateboarding and snowboarding; sports that have been labelled as 'extreme' or 'lifestyle' and which embody 'alternative' sporting values such as anti-competitiveness, anti-regulation, high risk and personal freedom. The popularity of these activities goes beyond the teenage male youth that the media typify as their main consumers.This book examines the popularity, significance and meaning of lifestyle sport, exploring the sociological significance of these activities, particularly as related to their consumption, and the expression of politics of identity and difference. This edited collection includes much unique ethnographic research work with skaters, surfers, windsurfers, climbers, adventure racers, and ultimate frisbee players. The central themes explored in Understanding Lifestyle Sport include:- How might we describe lifestyle sports?- What influence do commercial forces have on lifestyle sports?- Do lifestyle sports challenge the hegemonic masculinities inherent in a traditional sport environment?