The sensory revolution in the social sciences is transforming the ways in which the senses and the sensorium are studied and understood in relation to bodies in action. This is the first book to investigate the impact, and challenges, of this revolution for those interested in physical culture.

Providing vivid examples of sensory scholarship in action from sport, physical activity, leisure and recreation, this book brings together leading figures to discuss how we go about seeking the senses, how we engage in somatic work, and how we create meanings and come to understand ourselves and others as embodied beings in a variety of social settings over time. Featuring original reflections on athletics, running, cycling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, glow sports, jiu jitsu, mixed martial arts and yoga, this ground breaking collection showcases the latest sensory research in physical culture as well as paving the way both conceptually and methodologically for future work in this area.

Seeking the Senses in Physical Culture: Sensuous scholarship in action is fascinating reading for all those interested in physical cultural and body studies; the sociology, psychology and philosophy of sport; leisure and recreation studies; and physical education.

About the Author

Andrew C. Sparkes is Professor of Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He has published extensively in international peer reviewed journals on the topic of embodiment and identity transformation over time and in differing sets of circumstance. He has also published widely on qualitative methodologies in general, and narrative, ethnographic and autoethnographic approaches in particular. Andrew has written and edited numerous books including Qualitative Research Methods in Sport, Exercise and Health: From process to product; The Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise; and Advances in Biographical Methods: Creative applications, all published by Routledge

Reviews

"Sport and physical activity are thoroughly embodied phenomena. From sweaty carnal exertion to intricate intersensorial skills, the fleshy sporting body is the foundation of perception ... This book is a significant step in the development of critical sensuous scholarship in physical cultures" - Ben Powis, The Senses and Society.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138351004
Author Andrew C. Sparkes
Format Paperback
Page Count 204
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 317g