Rethinking Sport and Society

This pioneering book presents a rethinking of sport and society informed by a diverse array of cultural viewpoints and life experiences. Elizabeth C.J. Pike conducts interviews with global thought leaders from a wide range of continents and backgrounds, delving into key social issues and their evolving relationships with sport. Set against the backdrop of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, rapid technological advances, and significant geopolitical events, chapters showcase a novel approach to understanding sport and society. Pike discusses ways to make sport more accessible, the redistribution of power between civil society and state institutions, and the importance of hearing from younger generations and those outside of sport. Ultimately, the book highlights the growing contribution of sport to the realisation of development and peace, emphasising the need to draw on the perspectives of a wide variety of global stakeholders. Students and academics in sociology and social policy, sports, and sports management will benefit from the insights in this book. Its focus on real-world content also makes this an essential read for professionals and researchers looking to rethink the role of sport in society.