Sport and Technology An Actor-Network Theory Perspective

This book draws on actor network theory (ANT), a theory initiated in the field of science and technology studies (STS), and a new approach in the field of sports studies. ANT advocates viewing technologies and humans as symmetrical and equally significant in the field of sporting practice. The theory has the power to overcome some of the conceptual dichotomies in social science research into sports including artificial/natural human/non-human, local/global, and treats technologies as 'equal actors' in the production of sport. The scope includes such mundane things as stopwatches and sporting equipment, as well as highly visible media and communication technologies, doping, scientists and stadia. Drawing on case studies and examples, the book traces decisions about when and how technologies are integrated into sporting practice and when they are left out. It shows how sports evolve as a result of combining technologies and people in practice.