Taking sporting autobiographies seriously as an analytical and pedagogical resource in sport, exercise and health
This article makes the case for taking sporting autobiographies seriously as both an analytical and pedagogical resource. First, the nature of autobiography is clarified and the interest shown by other disciplines in this genre is discussed. Next, the prevailing negative view of sporting autobiographies and the assumptions underlying them are outlined. These are then countered by the presentation of a more positive view that challenges a number of alleged ‘problems’ associated with sporting autobiographies that include being tainted by commercial commitments, the presence of the ghostwriter, and not being able to guarantee unmediated authenticity and ‘truth’. Various forms of narrative analysis (thematic, structural, performative/dialogical) are then described and examples of each of these being applied to sporting autobiographies are provided. Finally, attention is given to the use of sporting autobiographies as a pedagogical resource and the ways in which they might be productively used with students are discussed.
History
Published in
Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and HealthPublisher
Taylor & FrancisVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Citation
Sparkes, A.C. and Stewart, C. (2016) 'Taking sporting autobiographies seriously as an analytical and pedagogical resource in sport, exercise and health', Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 8(2), pp.113-130. DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2015.1121915Print ISSN
2159-6778Cardiff Met Affiliation
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences
Cardiff Met Research Centre/Group
- Qualitative Research Methods and Social Theory
Copyright Holder
- © The Publisher
Language
- en