Sport and Nationalism

Sport and Nationalism: Theoretical Perspectives aims to advance the academic study of the interconnections between sport and nationalism by, firstly, reviewing the current ‘state of play’ in this field of study and, secondly, highlighting the potential for the development of future theoretically-informed analysis of the relationship between sport, nationalism and national identity.

This book offers a critical appraisal of the utility of various theoretical concepts used to explore the nature of contemporary nationalism when applied to the specific topic of sport. Bringing together a range of contemporary academics in this field of study, it offers an opportunity to showcase contrasting theoretical positions on this topic. Furthermore, the central focus of the book regarding extended application of theories of nationalism to the field of sport provides an opportunity for novel and critical contributions to this field of study.

This book will be beneficial to students, researchers and professionals with an interest in sport and in the relationship between sport, politics and nationalism. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Sport in Society.

Stuart Whigham is Senior Lecturer in Sport, Coaching and Physical Education at Oxford Brookes University, UK. His research interests revolve around the sociology and politics of sport, with a particular interest in the study of national identity, nationalism and sport; the politics of sport and sporting events; the politics of the Commonwealth Games; the sociology and politics of Scottish sport; and, sport and the Scottish diaspora.