Poststructuralist Methodologies for Physical Activity Research

Drawing on the work of Foucault and Deleuze, this book opens up a new materialist approach to sport, exercise and dance research. It examines how to incorporate both material and social elements - theoretically and methodologically - to study the force of the moving body in practice.

The book employs critical concepts including the articulable and the visible and the fold to interrogate and advance our understanding of theory and method in physical activity research, asking what a new materialist approach might mean, especially as it concerns themes such as the body, knowledge and power, for physical cultural studies scholars. Presenting in-depth case studies of six movement forms – adult ballet, Pilates, Barre, swimming, soccer and cross-country running – the book also examines how researchers and practitioners can begin to collaborate to create innovative training and coaching practices.

This is fascinating reading for advanced students and researchers working in the sociology of sport and exercise, sociology of the body, sports coaching, physical education or social theory.