Authors:
- Dissects and unpacks the meaning of 'adventure' in today's society and contains chapters on risk taking and social identity
- Takes a much more practical approach than other texts, and contains pedagogical features such as case studies, key readings, points to ponder and chapter summaries, to assist tutors
- Uses a contemporary society framework, and intersects with issues such as Environmentalism, race, ethnicity, gender, social class within the concept of action sports, outdoor learning, and adventure
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Table of contents (11 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
About this book
This undergraduate textbook provides a broad overview of the ways in which ‘adventurous practices’ influence, and are influenced by, the world around them. The concept of adventure is one that is too often tackled within subject silos of philosophy, education, tourism, or leisure. While much of the analysis is strong, there is little cross-pollination between disciplines. Adventure & Society pulls together the threads of these discourses into one coherent treatment of the term ‘adventure’ and the role that it plays in human social life of the 21st century. It explores how these practices can be considered more deeply through theoretical discourses of capitalism, identity construction, technology and social media, risk-taking, personal development, equalities, and sustainability. As such, the book speaks to a broad audience of undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse subject areas, and aims to be an accessible starting point for deeper inquiry.
Reviews
“This book meets its aim of providing an excellent primer for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students as well as practitioners and academics wishing to further their understanding of adventure through the lens of the social sciences. It is already on the reading lists of my modules and the desks of my research students. … The result is a stimulating and thought-provoking read.” (Chris Loynes, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, July 24, 2019)
“The interdisciplinary and interconnected nature of how adventure and society interact has been expertly crystallized within the pages of Adventure and Society. Examining adventure practices from multiple perspectives and standpoints is undoubtedly the most challenging and enlightening aspect of this book. Explorations of the multifaceted and ubiquitous interplay of social media, risk, identity, justice and equalities within a societal context are undertaken with finesse and academic rigour. Discussion questions contained in each chapter assist the reader to personally contextualize the material, whilst the case studies provide an enriching illustration of the topical issues and provocations. This is a ‘must read’ for anyone delving into the sociological aspects of adventure and contemporary society.” (Tonia Gray, Associate Professor, Western Sydney University, Australia)
“Activities such as mountaineering, skiing and climbing are now popular across the globe. Traditionally referred to as adventurous, Western pastimes only open for a select few their popularity suggests that they are now emerging as everyday activities available for a wide section of the global population. So how should we understand this phenomenon? Adventure and Society opens up much needed discussions on the nature and value of adventure in today’s global village. The reader is lead on a journey of discovery and challenged to reflect on previous assumptions and presuppositions. This book is a ‘must read’ for anyone remotely interested in what it means to be human and it will prove especially valuable for those studying adventure at any level.” (Eric Brymer, Reader, Leeds Beckett University, UK)
“Adventure and Society is a must read for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of adventure sports and their place in contemporary society. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the authors carefully track the growth, developmentand latest trends in adventure sports, such as climbing, skiing, hiking and skateboarding. In so doing, they highlight the social, cultural, economic, environmental and political significance of such activities in the lives of individuals, communities and societies around the world. Written in a highly engaging style, this book supports readers in accessing key theoretical concepts and developing critical thinking skills with rich, powerful, and relevant analyses throughout. For lecturers and students, the discussion questions and case studies offered in each chapter will also be very useful. A highly recommended read for anyone interested in understanding the rise of adventure sports and their complex relationships within society today.” (Holly Thorpe, Associate Professor, University of Waikato, New Zealand)
“While adventure experience today is often considered an opportunity for personal growth and development, the practice of adventure experience is based on a legacythat is somewhat dark and clouded. It is based on a legacy of exploration, conquest and exploitation – a legacy that has led to environmental degradation and cultural annihilation on a global scale. In its consideration of the nature of adventure in our contemporary world, Adventure and Society challenges readers to examine this legacy and its meaning for the practice of adventure experience today. The text offers a wide-ranging analysis of adventure and its function in the lives of people who engage in it. In doing so, the authors challenge readers to critically examine underlying assumptions on which adventure experience is based – assumptions that often go unexamined by adventure enthusiasts today. Such an analysis is valuable because it can help to promote a more conscientious approach to adventure pursuits, one that serves to redress old wrongs with respect to issues of social and environmental justice.” (Bruce Martin, Professor, Ohio University, USA)
“This is a thoroughly informative and enjoyable read with currency, value and purpose. The authors strategically embed key themes and highlight complex and interlinked influences throughout the chapters. Adventure and Society presents diverse perspectives through an eclectic range of topics, bringing an alternative, novel and interesting discussion to the table.” (Paul Gray, Senior Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire, UK)
Authors and Affiliations
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University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Simon Beames
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University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
Chris Mackie
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California State University East Bay, Hayward, USA
Matthew Atencio
About the authors
Simon Beames is Senior Lecturer in Outdoor Education at the University of Edinburgh. For 25 years, Simon has taught outdoors and indoors in North America, Asia, and Europe. He has published over 50 journal papers, book chapters, and magazine articles. Other books published by Simon include Understanding educational expeditions, Learning outside the classroom, Outdoor adventure and social theory, and Adventurous learning.
Chris Mackie is Associate Lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands’ School of Adventure Studies in Fort William and a PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh. Chris was literally born and raised at an outdoor adventure centre and now works across adventure education, tourism and outdoor learning.Matthew Atencio is Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Sport and Social Justice at California State University East Bay, USA. Matthew researches lifestyle/adventure sports and Physical/Outdoor Education. Matthew has contributed over 50 academic papers/chapters and a book: Moving boarders: Skateboarding and the changing landscape of urban youth sports.Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Adventure and Society
Authors: Simon Beames, Chris Mackie, Matthew Atencio
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96062-3
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham
eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2019
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-319-96061-6Published: 14 January 2019
eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-96062-3Published: 28 December 2018
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XII, 194
Topics: Sociology of Sport and Leisure, Tourism Management, Human Geography, Sociology of Education