Wrestling With Hope in Urban Senegal - Sports, Masculinity, and Precarious Trajectories

"In Dakar, thousands of young men train daily on beaches, football pitches and sandy courtyards in pursuit of athletic success. Aspiring football players seek contracts in the lucrative leagues of the Global North, while hopeful wrestlers aim to captivate massive crowds as members of Senegal's beloved national sport. Despite their differences--(European) football's global appeal versus wrestling's traditional roots--both sports demand immense effort and come with high social costs. Wrestling with Hope follows the journeys of these precarious athletes as they confront the realities of their aspirations, grappling with themes of masculinity, belief systems and economic survival whilst navigating the complexities of a neoliberal landscape"-- Provided by publisher.

About the author

Mark Hann is an anthropologist and researcher whose work explores masculinity, sport and social transformation in West Africa. Alongside his academic research, he has held various roles in international peacebuilding organisations.

Product details

• Authors: Mark Hann
• Publisher: BERGHAHN BOOKS, INC
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.06.2025
• EAN: 9781805399988
• ISBN: 978-1-80539-998-8
• No. of pages: 226
• Series: Sport Matters
• Subjects: Guides > Sport > General, dictionaries, handbooks, yearbooks, history; Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Senegal, SPORTS & RECREATION / Coaching / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / Urban, SPORTS & RECREATION / Training, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Sports training & coaching, Sociology: sport & leisure, Sociology: sport and leisure, Social and cultural anthropology, Urban communities, Sports training and coaching, SPORTS & RECREATION / Cultural & Social Aspects