The Sport Spectator A Post Modern Perspective : Sport as a Cultural and Societal Practice

This book links discussion on the origin and development of sport and sport spectatorship in relation to its place and function in post modern society. The contents of the book encapsulate thoughts, concepts and ideas that evolved throughout my PhD research thesis on the motivation determinants and emotionality of the ardent sport spectator. The primary objective of this work is to promote a deeper and fuller understanding of the position of sport as an identity signifier of community, and particularly of the ardent sport spectator. Issues on what sport means in people's daily lives and what sport means within the context of social-societal institutions is elaborated on. Here, culture is understood in terms of everyday experiences that are shared by a 'common' people providing them with a social meaning to their world.

Inferences resonate within the findings of this book indicating that participation in sport provides an outlet for creative expression and exhibitionism engagement by the sport performer. As a consequence the sport spectator experiences emotion indulgence gratification, identity embellishment and vicarious attribution, facilitating a sense of escapism from obligatory work duties, promoting life enrichment experiences.

This book is intended to appeal to general sport enthusiasts; it is also aimed at parents within the domain of childhood interest development, and sport and media organisations. This book is also envisaged to appeal to undergraduates and graduates in research areas associated with sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, politics and economics. More specifically this book would be viewed as appropriate reference material within universities, education institutions and teacher training colleges related to physical education, sport science, sport psychology as well as health and wellness domains.