Sport and Society: A Student Introduction by Barrie Houlihan
The most comprehensive study of contemporary issues in sport by leading international scholars. Houlihans book is the answer to sports students prayers, full of information, statistics, tables and figures, extensive guides to further reading and, most important of all, challenging ideas. A weighty vademecum for the early 21st century. Jim Riordan Honorary Professor of Sports Studies, University of Stirling; Professor Emeritus at University of Surrey; President of the European Sports History Association; FRSA
This is the book that students and lecturers in sports studies have been waiting for. It is the most comprehensive student introduction to the field. The book is organized around four themes central to the study of sport: perspectives, inclusion, commercialization and international context and comparison. Key features include:
A strong inter-disciplinary perspective.
A clear focus on power and inequality and their relation to participation and success in sport
A keen emphasis on the increasing importance of commercialization and regulation in sport.
An exemplary introduction into the importance of comparative analysis for understanding problems clearly and producing sound solutions.
This is an ideal teaching text, enabling lecturers to teach a conventional 12 or 13 week semester by selecting issues from the 19 topic-based chapters. Accessible, engaging and full of up to date ideas and information the book will be devoured by lecturers seeking an authoritative introduction to sport and society and relished by students who want a relevant, enriching texts for the learning and research needs.