Extreme Sports: Theorizing Participation
Extreme Sports: Theorizing participation
- A Challenge for Phenomenology -
Extreme Sports: Theorizing participation
Introduction
The phrase ‘Extreme Sport’ has developed into an all-encompassing umbrella term for those activities that are traditionally associated with risk-takers or ‘adrenalin junkies’ (Lambton, 2000). Skateboarding, street luge, snow sports, mountain sports, moto-cross and surfing are just some examples of such sports. Participation in these activities has been considered as the expression “of a death wish” (Slanger & Rudestam, 1997, p. 355) and athletes were seen as emotionally unhealthy (Ogilvie, 1974) or crazy (Groves, 1987). Equally, research was invariably interested in the negative aspects of risk-taking (Farley, 1991). However as Brannigan and McDougall (1987) pointed out:
Stereotypes affect not only our perceptions of what we believe high-risk sportsmen to be like but also what we believe others believe them to be like. This affects our judgment regarding expectations of others, and consequently, identity-formation assumes an aspect of the self-fulfilling prophecy (p. 47).
Whilst for some participants there may be a desire for death, perhaps there is more to it. For many, these activities have resulted in positive personal changes (Brannigan and McDougall, 1987). Perhaps also, for some, there is a link to a‘modern-day rite of passage’ (Groves, 1987, p. 193). It may even be that participants have a powerful ‘life wish’ and a desire to experience what is possible.
The aim of this paper is to explore the extreme sport experience by reviewing current understandings through the literature. This paper will argue that research has focused on positing limited theoretical perceptions about the extreme sport experience. There is a focus on risk and often findings show little real difference between the extreme sport experience and any other activity. The overall conclusion being that not only does current research not help
- A Challenge for Phenomenology -
Extreme Sports: Theorizing participation
Introduction
The phrase ‘Extreme Sport’ has developed into an all-encompassing umbrella term for those activities that are traditionally associated with risk-takers or ‘adrenalin junkies’ (Lambton, 2000). Skateboarding, street luge, snow sports, mountain sports, moto-cross and surfing are just some examples of such sports. Participation in these activities has been considered as the expression “of a death wish” (Slanger & Rudestam, 1997, p. 355) and athletes were seen as emotionally unhealthy (Ogilvie, 1974) or crazy (Groves, 1987). Equally, research was invariably interested in the negative aspects of risk-taking (Farley, 1991). However as Brannigan and McDougall (1987) pointed out:
Stereotypes affect not only our perceptions of what we believe high-risk sportsmen to be like but also what we believe others believe them to be like. This affects our judgment regarding expectations of others, and consequently, identity-formation assumes an aspect of the self-fulfilling prophecy (p. 47).
Whilst for some participants there may be a desire for death, perhaps there is more to it. For many, these activities have resulted in positive personal changes (Brannigan and McDougall, 1987). Perhaps also, for some, there is a link to a‘modern-day rite of passage’ (Groves, 1987, p. 193). It may even be that participants have a powerful ‘life wish’ and a desire to experience what is possible.
The aim of this paper is to explore the extreme sport experience by reviewing current understandings through the literature. This paper will argue that research has focused on positing limited theoretical perceptions about the extreme sport experience. There is a focus on risk and often findings show little real difference between the extreme sport experience and any other activity. The overall conclusion being that not only does current research not help