I agree with John Bale that Geography of sport is a very
underdeveloped area of both sport science and geography. I did my
degree at Loughborough, a joint honours Geography, Sports Science and
Physical Education BSc, and in my experience there was very little
interaction between the departments. Prehaps another indication of
the problems of interdisciplinary study?
Unfortunately I have been unable to read all the emails in the
discussion so far, so if I repeat any I do apologise, but, has anyone
considered the inclusionary benefits of sports? My own
interests lie in team sports especially in processes of inclusion and
exclusion in terms of sexualities. My experience tells me that often
lesbians can find important networks and support through particular
team sports. This can effect who plays which sport and their
experiences within this sport, however it can mean that certain
sports can stereotype the sexualities of their participants both as
straight (take for example Netball) or gay (for example football), as
sexuality is not just reserved for lesbains or gay men!
The inter and intra team dynamics and the negotiations of these
stereotypes give the spaces of sport meaning be that 'good' or 'bad'
and may effect who uses them and how they are used. It also may cause
sport to become a site of struggle where meanings are challenged,
contested, resisted, defended but always in the making.
Just a thought as the lack of literature on women in sports geography
is phenomenal and I would argue that the literature on sexualities
and geographies has a lot to offer this area.
Kath Browne
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Kath Browne.
MA (Social and Cultural Geographies)
Geography Deptartment,
Winter Street,
Sheffield. S10 2TN.
England.
email: [log in to unmask]
Tel. no. 0114 2227918
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