This book contributes to recent debates in transnationalism, mobilities and migration studies by offering the first in-depth sociological examination of the global phenomenon of action sports and the transnational networks and connections being established within and across local contexts around the world.

"Holly Thorpe has produced an outstanding sociological study of action sports within the global context. I particularly enjoyed the book's highly insightful, creative and critical engagement with contemporary theories of transnationalism and mobility to understand the cultural politics and contemporary practices of action sports. This analysis draws on very rich data that has been derived from many years of fieldwork and interviews across the world. The book will be essential reading for all academics, students and wider readers who are interested in sport, migration, transnationalism, and the social and cultural aspects of globalization." - Richard Giulianotti, Loughborough University, UK

'This is an all-action account of the geography and sociology of action sports. It is a really interesting and entertaining read - strongly recommended.' - John Urry, Lancaster Universit, UK

'An invaluable interdisciplinary contribution to the understanding of both action sport cultures and, more generally, the network of flows and mobilities that constitute the transnational condition. Transnational Mobilities is a complex and comprehensive discussion, characterized by a compelling synthesis of theoretical depth and empirical insight.' - David Andrews, University of Maryland, US

Autorentext

Holly Thorpe is Senior Lecturer at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. She has published widely on the topics of sociology of sport, social theory, physical youth culture, gender, and action sports.

Inhalt

Transnational Mobilities and Action Sport Cultures: Conceptual, Theoretical and Methodological Considerations PART I: TRANSNATIONAL ACTION SPORT CULTURAL NETWORKS 2. Producing Transnational Networks: Action Sport Companies, Media and Events 3. Digital Media and the Transnational Imaginary: Virtual Memorialization of Global Action Sport Stars PART II: ACTION SPORTS MIGRATION AND TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITIES 4. Corporeal Mobilities in Action Sport Cultures: Tourists, Professionals and Seasonal Migrants 5. Pleasure, Play, and Everyday Politics in Transnational Action Sport Destinations 6. Transnational Action Sport Career Migration: Reflections from Home and Away PART III: ACTION SPORTS (IM)MOBILITIES IN DISRUPTED AND CONFLICTED SPACES 7. Action Sports and Natural Disaster Immobilities: Arrhythmic Experiences in Christchurch, New Zealand 8. The Emergence of Action Sports in the Middle East: Imagining New Mobilities with Parkour in Gaza 9. Transnational Connections and Transformation: Action Sport for Development and Peace Building