Plotting a Paralympic field: An elite disability sport competition viewed through Bourdieu’s sociological lens

Abstract

In this paper components of Bourdieu’s sociological theory will be utilized to systematically outline key constituents, and the interrelated power struggles, which shape Paralympic sport. The premier Paralympic sport competition is arguably the summer Paralympic Games, a quadrennial multi-sport competition for elite athletes with specific impairments, governed by the International Paralympic Committee. This paper argues that Paralympic sport is significantly influenced, shaped and developed according to the differential resources and contestation for power between individuals and organizations that possess an interest in deriving benefit from the Paralympic Games. Firstly, this article outlines the historical development of Paralympic sport. Relevant aspects of Bourdieu’s sociological theory are then identified and utilized to generate a fresh sociologically infused interpretation of the current key constituents who together form a Paralympic field. The intention is to provide a more systematic overview of Paralympic relations, while also highlighting potential avenues for future social research.

Cultivating Images of Cultural Capital: Cultural Activities in Storybooks Featuring Young Characters with Disabilities

“…However, Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital theory does not only neglect generations but also disability. Nevertheless, the theory of cultural capital fits well with disability as a variable as proposed by researchers (Edwards & Imrie, 2003;Purdue & Howe, 2015).…”

“…According to the theory of cultural capital, the transmission (pedagogy) occurs in the family, which in turn promotes a disposition to participate in cultural activities (Bourdieu, 1978). Although, Bourdieu did not theorize disability sociologists have proposed that it would be straightforward to integrate disability into Bourdieu´s theory (Edwards & Imrie, 2003;Purdue & Howe, 2015). Consequently, in the present study I extend upon the research on cultural capital with regards to disabilities.…”

‘It’s not about disability, I want to win as many medals as possible’: The social construction of disability in high-performance coaching

“…Indeed, Purdue and Howe (2015) argued that Paralympic and disability sport are inherently 150 shaped by such power struggles, with coaching further characterised by a struggle for the 151 legitimacy of disability. Thus, coaching research requires the application of sociology to reveal 152 and to challenge dominant values and ideologies that influence disability sport and by extension 153 the way disability can be understood and reconstructed in society.…”

“…Such analyses of disability focus on the power that social categories have in constructing subjectivities and identities of self and others (Thomas, 2004), enabling the examination of the social conditions of coaching that constitute and legitimise ways of thinking about disability (Bourdieu, 1977). Indeed, Purdue and Howe (2015) argued that Paralympic and disability sport are inherently shaped by such power struggles, with coaching further characterised by a struggle for the legitimacy of disability. Thus, coaching research requires the application of sociology to reveal and challenge dominant values and ideologies that influence disability sport and, by extension, the way disability can be understood and reconstructed in society.…”

Inspiring or Perpetuating Stereotypes?: The Complicated Case of Disability as Inspiration

“…Sport for disabled people became widely known after the Second World War, as many veterans returned home with injuries ("The IPC -Who we are", 2017). In 1944, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann opened a spinal injuries centre at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Aylesbury, England, at the request of the British Government (Purdue & Howe, 2015). Sport for disabled people was originally for rehabilitation, but it consequently evolved to recreational and competitive purposes (2015).…”