Focused ethnography and analytical sociology: a four-phase model for exploring 'the paradox of commercialism' in sports. Issue 4 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Næss, Hans Erik
• Is Part Of: Qualitative research in sport, exercise & health. Volume 12:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 493
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Methodological innovation -- commercialism -- tennis -- motorsports -- road cycling; Sports sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 613.71
• DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2019.1634129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2159-676X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this synthesizing paper, some mutually beneficial relations between analytical sociology (AS) and focused ethnography (FE) are identified. More specifically, examples from tennis, motorsports and professional road cycling are used to argue that social mechanisms related to 'the paradox of commercialism' in sport can be illuminated by synthesizing ethnographic exploration and analytical theorizing. This synthesis is organized as a four-phase model, which aims to be a guide for ethnographers on how to identify, explore and explain these mechanisms related to the paradox of commercialism. Finally, although of secondary importance to the theoretical-methodological focus, this paper also contributes to an understanding of how the situational tension between 'commercialists' and 'traditionalist' in sport may have its paradoxical force weakened.