Sport In Consumer Culture

This text offers a distinctive introduction to sport in contemporary society, drawing on recent developments in sociological theory and research, particularly in relation to debates about culture and consumption. The book argues that sport can be seen as central to the "economies of signs and space" of late modernity in which a concern with the body as an object of contemplation and improvement, and not just an instrument for getting things done, increasingly informs images in the mass media, politics and everyday life.

The everyday makeup of contemporary sport is increasingly characterised by a perceived explosion of 'deviance' - violence, drug taking, racism, homophobia, misogyny, corruption and excess. Whereas once these behaviours may have been subject to the moral judgments of authority, in the face of dramatic socio-cultural change they become more a matter of populist consumer gaze. In addressing these developments this book provides a new and insightful approach toward the study of 'deviance' in the realm of sport. New Perspectives in Sport and 'Deviance' awakens the sociology of sport to the possibilities of re-imagining 'deviance' and offers an evocative approach which will appeal both to academics and students in the field of sociology of sport and sociology of deviance.

The growing complexity and importance of sports and event marketing has pushed scholars and practitioners to apply sophisticated marketing thinking and applications to these topics. This book deals with the professional development in the sense that sports marketing can be viewed as an application of consumer behavior research. Readers will learn about new opportunities in using consumer behavior knowledge effectively in the areas of: influencing behaviors in society and sports; building relationships with consumers through sports and events; and providing services to consumers through sport and event sponsorships. This book, by a superb group of authors, includes comprehensive reviews, innovative conceptual pieces, empirical research and rigorous attention to data.

Despite the range of theoretical and methological positions adopted and the wide range of issues and topics related to advertising covered by cultural studies, relationships between sport and advertising have been largely overlooked. Given its gobal popularity and its prevalence across the spectrum of cultural and commercial life it is not surprising that scholars interrogating the cultural politics of sport have begun to recognise advertising as an important site for the analysis of power relations, cultural politics and cultural repesentation. Sport, Culture and Advertising presents a first step towards understanding the relationship between advertising and identity with a focus on sport. The book will be useful for scholars across a range of disciplines and will be of interest to students looking for a more critical examination of the commercial realm of sport.

When this book was first published the study of sport had been largely neglected by sociologists. The contributions to this volume bring the sports field, the leisure centre and everyday leisure activities to a more central position within the sociological enterprise. Whether amateur or professional, sport contributes to wider relations of power, privilege and domination and this debate represents an important phase in the sociology of sport and leisure.

This book offers a distinctive introduction to understanding the position of sport in consumer society. Drawing on recent developments in sociological theory and research, particularly in relation to debates about culture and consumption, the book examines how sport - as both recreational practice and commercial spectacle - has become more central to the capitalist 'economies of signs and space'. Containing up-to-date research findings and identifying key issues in the study and politics of sport in consumer culture, this is essential reading for all students seeking to broaden their understanding of sport in society.

Consuming Sport offers a detailed consideration of how sport is experienced and engaged with in the everyday lives, social networks and consumer patterns of its followers. It examines the processes of becoming a sport fan, and the social and moral career that supporters follow as their involvement develops over a life-course. The book argues that while for many people sport matters, for many more, it does not. Though for some sport is significant in shaping their social and cultural identity, it is often consumed and experienced by others in quite mundane and everyday ways, through the media images that surround us, conversations overheard and in the clothing of people we pass by. As well as developing a new theory of sport fandom the book links this discussion to wider debates on audiences, fan cultures and consumer practices. The text argues that for far too long consideration of sport fans has focused on exceptional forms of support ignoring the myriad of ways in which sport can be experienced and consumed in everyday life.

All successful marketing strategies in sport or events must take into account the complex behaviour of consumers. This book offers a complete introduction to consumer behaviour in sport and events, combining theory and cutting-edge research with practical guidance and advice to enable students and industry professionals to become more effective practitioners. Written by three of the world’s leading sports marketing academics, it covers a wide range of areas including: social media and digital marketing the segmentation of the sport consumer market service quality and customer satisfaction sport consumer personalities and attitudes the external and environmental factors that influence sport consumer behaviour. These chapters are followed by a selection of international case studies on topics such as female sport fans, college sports, marathons and community engagement. The book’s companion website also provides additional resources exclusively for instructors and students, including test banks, slides and useful web links. As the only up-to-date textbook to focus on consumer behaviour in sport and events, Sport Consumer Behaviour: Marketing Strategies offers a truly global perspective on this rapidly-growing subject. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the sport and events industries, from students and academics to professional marketers.

Sports are not what they used to be. New publicly funded stadiums resemble shopping malls. Fans compete for cash prizes in fantasy sports leagues. Sports video games are now marketing and public relations tools and team logos have become fashionable brands. The larger social meanings sports hold for fans are being eclipsed by their commercial function as a means to sell merchandise and connect corporate sponsors with consumers. This book examines how the American consumer culture affects professional and collegiate sports, reducing fans to consumers and trivializing sports themselves. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Consumer Behaviour in Sport and Events emphasises the role of consumer behaviour in sport marketing. Given the social, economic, and environmental benefits of sport events, the challenge for marketers is to understand the complexity of sport and event participation. Through a heightened understanding of consumer behaviour, marketers are able to develop communication strategies to enhance the experience, while identifying key elements of the consumer’s decision-making process. This book provides students and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the current marketing challenges facing professionals working in the sport and event industries. This comprehensive text covers a wide range of determinants that influence both active recreation and passive spectator participation, and offers the reader: A detailed understanding of the personal, psychological and environmental factors that influence sport and event related consumer behaviour A basis for the development of marketing actions useful in sport and related business, community and government sectors A comprehensive understanding of how individuals associate themselves with sport and event products and services A quick and simple segmentation tool to guide discussion of marketing actions and strategies for four stages of involvement with sport and events A comprehensive events checklist to help understand marketing actions related to the development, promotion and delivery of a sport event. Sport and event consumer behaviour is a rapidly growing area of interest and this book is considered a valuable resource for those involved in the sport and events industries from students to marketers to academics.