The Contested Terrain of Sport

This anthology brings together a set of 10 critical analyses of the intersection of sociology, politics, and policy within the contested terrain of sport. The concept of contested terrain is used to capture the uniqueness and complexity of sport as a site for discussion, debate, negotiation, and conflict involving diverse interest groups with varying levels of resources and contrasting, competing sets of ideas and beliefs. The contested terrain of sport includes the politics of recognition and legitimacy for new sports, as witnessed by the entry of breakdancing into the 2024 Paris Olympics and the increasing pressure to include e-sports. However, the contested terrain of sport can also extend far beyond this to include the use of sport for peace and development on one hand, and as a strategic vehicle for sportswashing or a target for terrorists on the other. Given its global presence and strategic location alongside key state sectors, including health, education, culture, business, and foreign policy, ‘sport’ is increasingly the focus of serious discussion amongst scholars, policy makers, and citizens. This anthology showcases research that spans a range of topics from sport mega-events and sportswashing to sport integrity, wellbeing, and inclusion. Furthermore, the collection explores these topics from a diverse set of social contexts, academic disciplines, and theoretical and methodological frameworks. Overall, the anthology highlights the enduring contested nature of sport.